The Fresh Market

The Fresh Market

Finally, Macon is home to a great specialty foods store! We are officially in love with this place, and have already frequented it on several occasions. They offer many of our hard to find favorites like gnocchi, imported specialty beer brews, fresh spices, organic produce, pure peanut butter, a bakery that makes me drool, shelf after shelf of wine selections, and a deli counter that is to die for with its jalapeño pimento cheese, impressive array of pasta salads, and homemade hummus to name just a few. In addition to the pick-your-own six pack of beers, which is my favorite offering, there are also isles and isles of scoop-your-own varieties of trail mix, candy, nuts, dried fruits, chocolate-covered espresso beans, and more.

Happy Birthday to Felicia!

Drink Up
and
Rock Out!

My Beautiful Best Friend, Felly, is 23 Today- I LOVE YOU, CHICKY! :-)

5 Years Together: Now & Then

Now
Celebrating our past and future - September 12, 2008.

and

Then
Our second date, taken at Stone Mountain - September 27, 2003.

5 Years!

Today J and I are celebrating 5 happy years of being together. On this date in 2003, we met and begin our relationship, which has blossomed through dating, engagement, marriage, graduation, buying a new home together, and much, much more. The fact that we continue to grow and blossom together is by far the best accomplishment of all.

Pictures and an update on how we plan to celebrate to follow.

XOXO to my Sweet J!
:-)

Update:

After a long bike ride together, we undid all that good and had a delightfully unhealthy dinner at Fondue: A Dining Experience. We had the works - a five course meal complete with drinks (martini for me, beer for J), an appetizer course of Old World Cheddar fondue, caesar salads, a main course full of yummy tidbits for dipping into a red-wine broth including lobster tail, mahi-mahi, vegetables, shrimp (and more!), and finally for dessert, a tray full of goodies ranging from brownie bites and cheesecake to fresh fruit and oreo-encrusted marshmallows to complement a dark chocolate fondue spiked with Grand Marinier. Indeed, we were stuffed to the rafters...but it was something new and different, and a lot of fun to dip and drizzle our way through a special meal.

Labor Day Weekend, Family Style!

First, a long weekend away for a great mountain visit with J's Dad & Sharon, who treat us like royalty and are always fun to be with! After returning home, it was off to my parents' for a cookout and pool party with my cute little cousins. I don't think the holiday weekend could have been better :-)

Also, I can't forget what happened on this day in 2001. I still remember exactly what I was wearing, the high school history class I was sitting in when we first saw the news coverage before all the TVs were cut off, and how my mom hugged my brothers and me extra tightly when we got home from school that day. Everyone aged in some way on that day...I remember.

Yeah, We're a Bicycling Couple Now! :-)

So, J has found a fabulous new way to stay in shape, and now I am completely into it too! Of course, the journey has already been horribly rocky after he was hit by a car less than two weeks after purchasing our fancy bikes, but he recovered well and has been brave enough to get back on the bike, back on the road, and back to his commitment to health and fitness. We have a sweet set of Treks - Lance rides a Trek, too!

We had a great time cycling the trails in Townsend, Tennessee during a wonderful family visit with J's dad & Sharon. That was my first feat - 10 miles. A few days after that, I successfully completed and actually enjoyed a 20.9 mile group ride with the cool dudes from The Bike Store. I even kept up with the boys! :-) Since then, J and I have been out together for a challenging yet fun 15 mile ride in a less trafficy section of town. Now, hubby has been doing these crazy 33+ mile rides, but he's a machine! I just hoping to keep improving - cycling is so much more fun than running, and it's nice to be outside while the weather is nice, rather than indoors at the gym.

So, if you happen to be driving around our town and see a bike, or several bikes, please be cautious and feel free to wave hello! :-)

Can You Name the #1 Song on the Day You Were Born?

Well, now you can! Thanks to my good friend Mary Lou for passing this on :-)

My song is "Out of Touch" by Hall & Oates. Never heard of it before now, and I must say it is painfully 80s, but I am proof that good things did come out of the decade. ;-)

This is a fun thing to do - check it out!

So, what's your song?

Kumbaya

To begin on a lighter note, we are nearing my season again :-) I got an email today from Pier One advertising it's self-proclaimed Awesome Autumn deals. Sweet! While I am melancholy about bidding farewell to summer, fall is a fun time.

Now...the real issue on my mind. I am truly sick of election coverage...it's so sad that it causes such deep divides between people who don't vote the same way, even people who are related. For instance, it's especially sad that my own brother-in-law can only respond to things he finds negative, and somehow overlook all the positives that a person, a mind, or even a blog has to offer. It's sad that people will avoid each other for months on end just because they can't agree to disagree. It's sad that each side wants to shout unity, but apparently there is nothing further from unity than an election. Everyone gets their own opinion, and everyone is allowed to display those outlooks, but they have to do it in a caring manner...why try to hurt another person, or take everything as a personal attack?

Granted, I am relatively new at this thing - in fact, this is only my second election being eligible to vote. Was it always this way? I shudder to think...it's sad that we keep falling into this trap, this little hamster wheel of thinking someone is lesser if they do not agree with our point of view. The angriest of those viewpoint holders seem to be the ones who think they aren't doing the name calling...or the damage. Once again, it's sad. Why can't we all just get along?

P.S. Currently watching the RNC so I can get an idea of "both sides". Not getting into it, but I will say this from an entirely pro-environment point of view: Clean coal? Seriously? Hello, oxymoron!

Bouncing from One Big Storm to Another...

I read long ago that all predictions pointed toward an active hurricane season, and they just might have nailed it this year...

The latest update on Hurricane Central boldly states:
"All interests across central and southern Louisiana should prepare for deteriorating conditions during much of Monday. All measures to protect life should have already been taken by this point."

Scary. I sincerely hope Louisiana is able to fare better this time around. This only reinforces the fact that I need to get over to experience New Orleans sooner than later!

Hurricane/Tropical Storm/Tropical Depression Fay

Thanks to The Weather Channel for this cool find:

Timeline of Fay

Fay was a truly remarkable storm, and is not quite done for the rest of the States, though I think we are finally in the clear. Days of rain, wind, thunderstorms, then a rampage of tornado threats - thankfully, none of which effectively materialized. (!)

And, poor Florida! Look how it was picked on - I've never seen a storm stay so focused on one state...amazing.

College Hill Corridor

Sounds like some really cool things are coming our way, and we couldn't be happier!

Not only are there bicycle & pedestrian friendly initiatives to this project, but the yummy promise of a Jittery Joe's that just can't get here fast enough.

Go Macon! :-)

Living on the Edge of a Tropical Storm

T.S. Fay has been quite an interesting storm, and it is far from over.
We've been fortunate and safe so far with just a few rain showers and some wind, but there is surely more to come tonight. Yes tonight, when we are supposed to get all dressed up and go to MSC's "Welcome Back" cocktail buffet party. I think it rained on us last year, too. But in all seriousness, best of luck and safety to those south of us. It's been a long week for them, and not over yet. Two of my close friends, E & J, recently moved to Orlando, and barely had two weeks to settle in to their new apartment before this storm was on top of them. I think they have now been officially initiated, Florida style. You guys are in our thoughts!

In other news, this Bigfoot hoax is just getting sillier and sillier. Of course they were Georgia boys, too. Way to go guys - I think the grossest tidbit of news came out today. The costume was actually stuffed with roadkill. Somebody had to put it in there, right..? Ew.

Happy Birthday to J!

YAY! :-)

No A/C in August?!

Today's Forecast:
Today: Mostly sunny. A stray afternoon thunderstorm is possible. Heat index near 110F. High 99F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.

Yeah, you saw it with your own eyes: 99+ degrees outside and we have no A/C upstairs! Yesterday afternoon our air suddenly decided to start blowing out hot air instead of cool air, and the entire second floor quickly became a sauna. We called our A/C people right away, and have an appointment today., but the technician just cannot get here fast enough, please please please hurry!!!

Oh, and the best part of this story? We finally splurged on that Tempur-Pedic mattress we'd been pining after for months, and it was delivered yesterday at noon, only moments before the A/C quit and prevented anyone from enjoying it last night. How sad is it to sleep on the couch knowing there is an amazing, soft and heavenly, brand-new Tempur-Pedic waiting upstairs? Life is so unfair sometimes!

Wish us Luck :-)

Blogging from my sweet iPhone. How cool is that? Autumn sez hi.

Too Much Togetherness

How could this be possible, you might ask? :-)

Now, don't get me wrong - I love my hubby and I love to share nearly everything with him. But he is being much too generous lately, and has passed his germy bugs right on to me. Not only have I never had a cold in the summer, but my symptoms have now officially outlasted his. It's just enough to be annoying, and it seems we have had exactly the same thing, whatever it is.

It all starts out with a little tickle in the throat, followed by a full-blown sore throat, then sniffles complete with a simultaneously stuffy and runny nose. Lovely, huh?

Ick. Blah.

On a happier tone - today was a good day. J's iPhone arrived in all its glory, and it is just as amazing as we expected. Worth the wait to get the best one, for sure. I went shopping with my mom, my aunt successfully completed her first chemo treatment, my grandmother won a quarter playing bingo (too cute!), and we celebrated Sarah's birthday in style at the yummy Bonefish Grill. See - I can't complain forever when I am this fortunate :-)

New Addiction

Now I am fully covered - XM for home & car, and now Pandora radio for my computer!

Thanks for the intel, J. Like I needed something else to vie for my freetime ;-)

We Got New Bikes Today!

In a flash of Jerry-inspired hype, we purchased two awesome Trek bicycles from
The Bike Store and the guys rocked - they built our bikes in record time, included deals on helmets, water bottles, future services, info on group rides, the works - even a sweet little bell to make my bike complete! :-)

We found this resource so far, and look forward to getting used to our bikes and then getting involved in some of the local cycling adventures. I am always afraid for the street bikers safety (I am an ortho trauma nurse, after all) but now I think I might want to be one of them. How'd that happen? :-)

Busy week - we had overnight company and hosted a fabulous Cocktail Hour on Thursday with lots of great food, beverages, friends, and laughs.
Good times!

Two Points for Fruit!

Hehe - check it out:

Watermelon may work like Viagra.

Today's top news story, for sure. :-)

Funny Stuff

This is awesome! :-)

Award for Parked Car

Totally how I parallel park...even in my tiny car! Luckily, I have J's AWESOME directorial skills to rely on when this type of parking is absolutely necessary...well sometimes. ;-)

(Found on Reddit via Google Reader)

Oh, TV. I Shouldn't, but I Love You.

My new favorite show! Well, in addition to this one. :-)

Thanks to my beautiful long weekend of six days off from work, I have allowed myself to lounge around and watch marathons of TV both with hubby and without. It's great. We've also spent time with friends, time with family, and time together. Swoon.

My Girls!

I love these ladies!
Felicia visited her Georgia family, and the three of us enjoyed a long-awaited reunion.
Life is good and lifelong friends are amazing.
June 2008.

Heavy Weather

Hard to believe that only one hour before this happened I was sitting at this very table enjoying the afternoon sunshine. A crazy-quick storm blew in out of nowhere and wreaked havoc on our poor little patio, mangling our umbrella beyond repair, toppling our table and chairs, and shattering flowerpots and candle holders.

We think the table will be fine once it's bolted back together...and hopefully our water will be back 100% soon. Yes, we'd never heard of losing water before either, but this is the second time it's happened this year due to storms. Why can't it just rain anymore, without all these threats?


J started reading Heavy Weather during our vacation, and I'm next! Seems scarily fitting, huh?

Felicia's Visit

We had a blast, as you can see. :-)
Lifelong friends ROCK!
June 2008.

Let's Go Back

Missing the beach already...

Sweet Siesta Key, FL.
May 2008.

Honeymon Video

Since we just celebrated our second anniversary, I put together a video of our honeymoon photos — finally! — featuring "Doin' Everything with You," by Chuck Mangione. Happy anniversary, babe. Enjoy!

Day Five: Home, Sweet Home

Made it home safe and sound, pulling into the driveway around 3:00 pm. We shared the driving duties, traded off iPod time, and traveled under a cloudy gray sky for the entire 350 miles home. That type of icky weather made it a tiny bit easier to leave Florida behind, but already I am accosted by calls from work with scheduling questions, have unpacked us both and started a load of laundry, and J washed the car. Blah - we're back to reality. But it was a BEYOND SWEET trip and we are always thankful for safe travels. I already can't wait to get away again soon, but it's nice to be back to our own bed for now. We enjoyed lots of amazing seafood, fine adult beverages, beautiful beach memories were made, and we discovered Siesta Key together, which is now officially on my list of top beach destinations. It was truly swoon-worthy, refreshing and recharging. And now we are relaxing on our couch catching up on the American Idol season finale: home, sweet home. The End.

Update: Yaaaaaay, David Cook! We were so sure this finale was not going to go the way we hoped, but it did! :-)

Day Four: Early Morning Sunshine (of course)

I set our alarm to go off early so I could run down for one last visit with the beach, weather permitting. Of course the sun was shining brightly since it was our last day in Siesta Key, but I couldn't feel too betrayed since it also meant I could squeeze in one more hour of tan time, water time, and general frolicking on the beach time. Besides the hardcore deeply-tanned local beach joggers, I was one of the first people on the beach, snagging a beach chair and a prime spot to enjoy the panoramic view of the ocean. I finished my book, snapped a few final pictures, and collected two of the most perfect shells I've ever seen - they washed up right next to my beach chair, so really, they found me. The water was more clear today than ever before, and I waded around before returning to my chair to bask in the sun until the last minute possible. I took it all in and then returned to the room to find Starbucks waiting for me while I packed. (Thanks, hubby!)

We leisurely made our way up to Tampa and stopped in at the International Plaza Mall, which is my new favorite! Lunch at Champp's and shopping at the Apple Store for J, Forever 21 for me. Let me just say I scored majorly in the fashion department - yay! :-) We checked into a hotel for the night and took in an IMAX movie at MOSI, Roving Mars = way cool. We ventured down to Ybor City for beer and some of J's all-time favorite fabulous pizza at Demmi's Market on 7th. After returning to our hotel to doze along with the HBO movie channel and reading in the cabana by the pool, we hit Bennigan's for a late dinner to split a sandwich and dessert - no less than Death by Chocolate to serve as our vacation grand finale meal, oh yes. Then we cozied up and watched Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer...predictable, but decent. Tomorrow brings the journey home, whether we are ready or not.

Day Three: Rain and More Rain

Anniversary Day!

Our anniversary started off with a fantastic breakfast of eggs benedict at First Watch, my first visit to Whole Foods, and some shopping in downtown Sarasota - used books for J and special anniversary earrings for me - our tradition. :-) We drove through St. Armand's Circle, but it wasn't as easy to appreciate it's bevy of beauty through the torrential downpour. We circled through, pointed out all the things we would have liked to see and do, and turned back toward Sarasota. After an enjoyable and extended pitstop at Borders, we left with a sack full of books and got soaked outside once again. A light lunch at The Hub/Baja Grille with draft beer, salad, chips & queso was just what we needed as we waited the rain out, and now we are back to the room where I am ready to hit the beach despite the little rumble of thunder that just sneaked through our hotel walls.

Just like the day before, the clouds parted by late afternoon, and I spent the rest of the day soaking up the sun until it was time for it to depart. I lounged on the beach for hours, walked with J to the rocky point at the end of the shore and collected more shells until he grew jealous of my seashell obsession (indeed, it's a new favorite thing of mine!!) and retreated inside to clean up for dinner and read books. I stayed outside a bit longer, checked out the pool for a few laps, then showered up for our nightly ritual of cocktails and sunset appreciation before dinner. The clouds that had rolled in parted briefly for some final pink sun rays and then the hazy and lazy neon-glow gave way to the gorgeous full moon that accompanied our entire trip, and we made our way back to St. Armand's to dine al fresco at The Columbia, which never fails to wow. We split a famous "1905 salad" with the mythically tasty crusty cuban bread, tapas for two, and a side of Valencia rice. This "light" alternative to full entrees was far more than enough food for two people, and we made a pact then and there to share more food since it's often wasted with the gigantic portion sizes that are the unfortunate norm. We strolled the circle and stopped in at Kilwin's for a cone of banana-fudge-pie ice cream that rocked my world before heading back for one final night at our beloved little beach resort. This area of Florida intrigues me - we've run into families today from both England and Germany, and our hotel neighbors have interesting European accents that I can't quite place. And I thought our drive was a long one... :-)

Day Two: Rain, Rain Go Away/Rainy Monday

Huge storm rolled through around 4:00 am and woke us, but it's fury passed quickly and we were able to sleep in until Starbucks called and wanted us to donate to their cause. And we did. Mmm, caffeine. :-)

After a lazy morning, we decided to hit the beach and got all suited up only to discover it was drizzling outside. We decided to wait it out a little while before giving up, and parked it in the cabana with books in hand. After taking a couple of polaroids and reading exactly 1.5 pages, the small but mighty swarm of mosquitoes chased us back in to our room. We changed clothes again and decided to do some driving and sightseeing in our dry, bug-free car. There are tons of beautiful sea-mansions around here, and lots of them for sale! We scouted out a few more places to eat dinner, checked out Siesta Key Village, and headed into Sarasota for some shopping. I got the awesome pair of shoes I've been pining after for the past week at Dillard's while J browsed a cool kitchen store, and after a couple more shopping stops, I grabbed some Rain-kissed Leaves lotion and Dancing Waters body mist from Bath & Body Works (perfect beach purchases!), and we set out to find lunch. Sweet Tomatoes was our pick today, and I was in veggie heaven. Rows and rows of salad stuff, soup, pasta, and bread with nearly zero meat in sight - yay! I loved it, and took pictures to remember it by. By this time the rain had ceased, and we could see little patches of blue sky...but my heart didn't sing for long, as the drops started to fall again as soon as we turned in the direction of our hotel. Still, this weather makes for a nice afternoon siesta, and I'm starting to understand why they named this key so aptly. Maybe my sunny dreams will come true when I wake, and I can finally lay on the sand...until then, yawn.

Fast forward to about 4:30 pm:
Beautiful afternoon on the beach, breezy and sunny = perfect for tanning! I picked up a gazillion shells, each more lovely than the last. J retired to the room a bit earlier than me to browse photos and such, but I stayed out until my skin started to turn pink, then after showering up, purchasing postcards (loved ones watch your mailboxes!), and enjoying some super-delish mixed beverages, mango rum (for me) and Maker's Mark (for J) , we returned to the beach for sunset pictures and enjoyed the sights. Dinner at S.K.O.B. - that's Siesta Key Oyster Bar for you non-locals ;-) It was fabulous! Grouper bites with buffalo remolaude, a Vampiro for me (a margarita with lots of bells & whistles, including hibiscus and ginger!) and a Lobster Pot Pie, with LongBoard on draft for J and a jerk-seasoned shrimp & scallop skewer dinner that looked great. Yum-O!

Anniversary Trip Journal - Day One: We Made It!

(To catch anyone up to speed who doesn't already know, J and I are celebrating our second wedding anniversary in Siesta Key, FL.)

Loooong drive for us both, due to my lack of sleep and the fact that J's drive actually started in TN, making it a 12-hour trip. Still, we enjoyed the ride, shared the driving duties, and are digging all the space in the CRV.

We stopped by ABC for some goodies before arriving at our destination, the lovely gulfside Tropical Shores around 7:30pm catching a couple of sunset rays on the way to check in. It's beautiful here! Our room is nice and clean, very cute with it's little kitchen and lighted cabana out front, complete with a giant grill, table, and decorative jungle setting. I highly recommend this place - great rates and a great place to stay. Yay! :-)

Dinner took us to Captain Curt's for Crabby Red draft beer, crab cakes, fried shrimp for J and a yummy Cheese-Snapper-in-Paradise sandwich for me. Cute atmosphere, and within walking distance. After dinner, we walked down to the beach and J laughed at me as I snatched up beautiful seashells. Tonight we greeted sleep early and eagerly, in preparation for the fun to come.

Macon Diner

If you live in or near Macon, you MUST try this place!
Macon Diner is everything a diner should be -- open 24/7, decked out in neon lighting, a jam-packed menu that offers everything from Greek cuisine to burgers and fries, to the spinning display case of tasty-looking homemade desserts up front.
We were greeted warmly by all employees, our server was ridiculously attentive, and the food was plentiful and yummy!
It's located on Tom Hill next to El Azteca - you can't miss the cheesy grand-opening decor surrounding the building, and don't let the giant inflatable gorilla deter you! :-)

This Blog is a Must

I randomly stumbled onto another blog that led me to this one, and now there is no turning back. This story will touch your heart on a much truer level than anyone at Hallmark could ever dream of.

Matt, Liz, and Madeline

Wow...I am sending all the positive energy in the world to this guy and his sweet baby girl. Amen.

Night In - aka Homemade Pizza and Beer! :-)

Yay!
Home - April 2008.

Mountaineers

Travelers on the Road to Nowhere.
Bryson City, NC.
April 2008.

A Beautiful Lie

Magnificent.

Check it out.

Open Windows

Spring is here to stay!
The weather has been warm and beautiful, and we've enjoyed letting it inside.
March 2008.

Cat Nap

Happy Easter!

March 2008.

Spring Fever

Giving the bike a bath before a weekend ride.
Too bad the pollen came in waves shortly after...but that's spring for ya.
Our yard has given us a lovely surprise and blossomed with azaleas in several shades of pink!
March 2008.

Weekend Grillers

Delicious beverages with amazing grilled veggies and special Jerry burgers!
Beautiful weather, beautiful weekend, good times with the one I love.
We have a fun life together.
I am thankful.
:-)

Yikes

Tornado hits Downtown Atlanta.

Cities are so compact - a relatively small storm can do massive amounts of damage. Hope this is not as bad as it sounds - but it sounds like it was truly damaging. :-(

Get Well Soon, Atlanta!

Spring Juice

A Refreshing Drink

Make your own flavored water. Just add a slice of tasty citrus or cucumber and a sprig of your favorite fresh herb to cold or sparkling water. Not only will the combination quench your thirst, but the pleasing aroma and beautiful appearance will also refresh your spirit.

• Here are our favorite partners.
Lemon and thyme
Lemon and rosemary
Cucumber and thyme
Orange and lime

• For more intense flavor, twist herbs and squeeze citrus before adding to glass.

YUM. Thanks, Southern Living Magazine! :-)

It's Coming!

H & M for Georgia!

Yay! This is big news. Besides Cali, virtually no locations exist outside of the northeast. I fell in love with this store years ago in NYC and have daydreamed about it since. Thanks, Atlantic Station! :-)

Conversation Pieces

Way too cool.

And all handmade! Hooray for creativity & talent.

Something New to Crave

MetroMint Flavored Water

This stuff rules! I discovered it at Garnier's, a wonderful little natural foods store in Greenville, SC right across from the BMW shop we frequent. It was love at first sip, and now I am on a quest to find it in my hometown! If I don't succeed, there is always the mail order route...but I feel the tiniest bit silly spending $15 for a sampler case of 5 bottles...but it really is that good. Try it! :-)

P.S. My neighborhood Kroger carries it, and I snagged 2 more bottles tonight - YAY!

My Celebrity Look-alikes!

Best New Product!

Viva Chumby!

Very Interesting News from Norway

Another Noah's Ark. Now I do not consider this "doomsday" related in any way, but actually a very cool and smart thing to do. Especially since global warming is real. That's right, people. Be nice to Earth. It's been really nice to you.

There's an Alien Watering My Plants!

Nope, just J taking care of business before we took off for an afternoon motorcycle ride a few weekends ago.
:-)

Power Outage (and a cute little spousal spat)

February 17th, 2008.
A close call with the weather, and no electricity on an empty stomach. Enjoy.

P.S. The lovebirds are once again nesting in peace...nothing like lights and homemade pizzas to ease a temper! :-)

Interesting Find...

One of my favorite online destinations is The Nest, which was introduced to me by one of the many resources I used during the fabulous flurry of wedding planning. Today, I stumbled across a featured blog that addressed something of great interest to me: How to meet & make new friends, couples and singles alike? I discovered a site called Meetup.com, and it actually is alive and well in my own city. Who knew? It looks legit, and I already found a couple of old friends on there, so I am now looking forward to meeting some new ones, too!

When Waves Collide...

Wow.

Wedding Revisited

Our wedding is on my mind lately, perhaps due to the proximity of Valentine's Day, the chill of winter and promise of spring, or the cool concept of the Trash the Dress trend I learned of months ago. At any rate, I played with my dress last weekend and look forward to planning a day with J, my personal (and favorite!) photographer, when the spring arrives and the outdoors beg to be backdrops for beautiful pictures. Can't wait! :-)

Sugar Rush

Homemade goodies. Thanks, Mom!
:-)

Austin, TX Rocks My Socks - Now it Can Rock Yours, Too! :-)

Top 10 Things to Do & See & Eat:

1. There's always history, and the capitol is tucked right there near Downtown Austin, with free parking on the weekends - how convenient is that?!

2. Toy Joy! Need I even say more? I came home with a bag full of treasures, from kazoos and a tiny plastic wind up cymbal-clapping monkey to a pinhole camera that uses 35mm film!

3. Eat, eat, eat! There are fabulous finds littered all over the city for vegans and vegetarians - how refreshing for this Georgia Peach! :-) Veggie Heaven is a top pick.

4. Eat Some More! Kerbey Lane Café was a standout - if only we could have stayed longer, and I would have had more than just one meal there! Mmmm - so fresh & tasty. Great cozy/diner atmosphere.

5. See Howie! He's right there on Guadalupe & a side street - can't miss him! Also, check out the street vendors while you're there. Jewelry & photography = bliss.

6. Visit That Popcorn Place! You'll find something to love, no matter how picky you might consider yourself to be!

7. Drink some Bubble Tea while you wait for your taxi, or anytime at all! I am so glad I finally got to experience this yummy stuff. Tapioca pearls are ugly, but they rule!

8. Eat some Oatscreme at the cool café connected to the infamous Toy Joy - pastries, tasties, and smoothies - all natural and all made from scratch!

9. Stop in Intellectual Property and buy some awesome bargain books. Great selection and uncluttered, upscale vibe inside.

10. Stop in at Diablo Rojo and see Rok for a piercing! He was way cool - too bad my job says no to noserings. :-(

Return of the Esperanza!

Hooray - the Greenpeace Esperanza is back on the seas again to protect the whale population from those who threaten it the most. Aside from adoring what they do for all the obvious reasons, they have a special spot in my heart because I used to immerse myself in their website, browse the blog, and stay glued to the webcam whenever they were in fields of icebergs to safe again in Sydney harbor not only for my own education and interest, but also as a reprieve from endless hours of studying during nursing school. A full year later, I can now reflect on those times spent at my desk in our first home together, now as an RN and from a new home with my hubby. Sweet!

Keep up with the WEBCAM here - it's cool!

Brrr

So, no snow but at least it's cold and I can wear all my fun scarves, hats, and coats! Always trying to look at the bright side :-)

Texas was grand, and not only did I spend some wonderful quality time with my best friend, but I made a couple of new friends, as well! We had a blast running about the city of San Antonio, road tripping to Austin, shopping, eating, sightseeing, sleeping in, talking, and even taking in a monster truck show - never a dull moment! :-)

Photo above taken in Downtown SA, just after the show - Monster Jam 2008 (ha)
L-R: Felicia, Franchesca, Me, & Emily
Good times!
More pics & reviews to come soon - really!

PLEASE Snow, Snow, SNOW!

So, we already got teased once this week, and I'm pulling for some real snow in my neighborhood today! The weather alert looks like this:

Heavy Snow Warning

/O.NEW.KFFC.HS.W.0001.080119T1200Z- 080120T0200Z/ MADISON-CLARKE-OCONEE- OGLETHORPE-WILKES-ROCKDALE-WALTON- NEWTON- MORGAN-GREENE-TALIAFERRO- SPALDING-HENRY-BUTTS-JASPER-PUTNAM- HANCOCK-WARREN-TROUP-MERIWETHER-PIKE- UPSON-LAMAR-MONROE-JONES- BALDWIN- HARRIS-TALBOT-CRAWFORD-BIBB-MUSCOGEE- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ATHENS... CONYERS...COVINGTON... GRIFFIN... MILLEDGEVILLE...MACON...COLUMBUS 406 AM EST SAT JAN 19 2008

...HEAVY SNOW WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 9 PM EST THIS EVENING FOR AREAS NORTH OF A COLUMBUS TO MACON TO SPARTA LINE...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN PEACHTREE CITY HAS ISSUED A HEAVY SNOW WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 7 AM THIS MORNING TO 9 PM EST THIS EVENING.

RAIN SPREADING NORTHWARD ACROSS GEORGIA EARLY THIS MORNING IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE OVER TO SNOW THROUGH THE LATE MORNING HOURS. THE SNOW MAY INITIALLY BE MIXED WITH RAIN...BUT WILL TRANSITION TO PREDOMINANTLY SNOW BY EARLY AFTERNOON OVER MUCH OF THE WARNING AREA. TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO BE HOVERING NEAR FREEZING MUCH OF THE DAY SATURDAY...AND A DIFFERENCE OF A FEW DEGREES WARMER OR COOLER WILL GREATLY IMPACT POTENTIAL FOR THE SNOW TO ACCUMULATE. WHILE CONSIDERABLE UNCERTAINTY STILL EXISTS WITH RESPECT TO LOCATION AND AMOUNT OF SNOWFALL...THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR 1 TO 3 INCHES OF SNOW ACROSS THE WARNING AREA THROUGH THIS EVENING. AT THIS TIME...IT APPEARS THAT THE GREATEST LIKELIHOOD OF THE MORE SIGNIFICANT SNOW ACCUMULATIONS WOULD BE NORTH OF A COLUMBUS TO MACON TO SPARTA LINE.

A HEAVY SNOW WARNING MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY. IF YOU MUST...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT...FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

So that's a pretty cool maybe. :-) I'm keeping my fingers crossed that when I wake this afternoon, I will see some white! Nevermind that I have to go to work tonight regardless of the weather - yes, hospitals NEVER close. But I will play on the top of the parking decks if I have to - anything for snow, said the little girl from the hot, hot south who's only seen it in person about 5 times in her life. Wheeee! :-)

Off to Texas

August 2004


This was taken during my last visit, and who knows - maybe we'll take a reunion shot to see how we've changed - glad our friendship is strong as ever! :-)

Beautiful Day

Callaway Gardens -- Pine Mountain, GA
December 2007

VDUB Central Rocks...Again!

Anybody remember my first post about this place, long ago? Well, it was a positive one and my return visit has been another pleasant encounter. Saturday was my one day off for the entire week, and after loading presents into my trunk, running back into the house for my forgotten sunglasses, and hopping into the car to take off to WR for a belated gift exchange and coffee date with Kelly, I was immediately stopped in my tracks with a car that refused to budge out of "Park". It cranked fine but - Nope, no reverse, no drive, no neutral, and no Starbucks with a friend for me. The battery light was even glowing in angry red...yay, always a good sign, right? So I dragged my poor, sick hubby outside to try the jumper cables, still nothing worked. After calling my dad who was going to be away from his phone for another couple of hours and J searched the web a bit for possible explanations or quick fixes, he had the great idea to go ahead and call VDUB to set up an appointment, since we'd need to have one whether we had to tow the car there or not - and luckily for me, he said bring it right in, told me how to get the car out of park, and was able to squeeze in an oil change, as well. The faulty brake light switch has been replaced, and free of charge due to a recent VW-wide recall. Sweet! Thanks, VDUB :-)

And for my own future reference, and maybe to help some other soul out too:
When stuck forever in Park:
Turn ignition on until lights appear on dash, then turn key back to left until lights go out.
Put vehicle in Drive or Reverse, whatever direction is needed.
With the left hand turn key all way to start position, and barely sneak shift toward Neutral with right hand - before locking into neutral, engine will crank, then bring back to drive and be off on your way....to the mechanic.

Christmas Getaway

Fantasy in Lights, Callaway Gardens
December 22-23, 2007

Merry Christmas to all...

May your holidays be beautiful and bright.
May your plates overflow with yummy indulgences.
Stay warm, be merry, and enjoy every moment of this celebratory time!
Love, A & J

Adventures of Tintin

Can you believe it? They're making this into a movie - YAY! And old classic cartoon favorite of mine, for sure. Sweet!

Christmastime Has Come

Our Beautiful Tree
Fa La La La La La La La La La La La La.....

Mission: Holiday Fun!

is well underway. With a mere 13 days to go until Christmas Day, we are officially cramming in as many enjoyable things as possible without spinning into a frenzy with no time left for admiring the Christmas tree, or cozying up on the couch together even though it's nearly 80 degrees outside this week. Yes, we're setting warm temperature records left & right. And we're finding time to do those relaxing things in addition to all the fabulous madness. We've found the perfect real tree, celebrated two birthdays, decorated the entire house, hosted a lovely dinner party, planned a gift exchange with family this weekend along with tickets to the 99X Mistletoe Jam...and so much more to come! Yay. :-)

Taking a bit of time to kick back with a magazine tonight as I prepare for my return to work tomorrow night - these end-of-year ones are always interesting, chock full of tips for a new year, guideposts to reflect back on the closing year, and plenty of ads for new things to pine after and add to your wishlist. Good reads! A passage I like the sound of:

"When you're sizing up your life, try to focus on gratitude" (Redbook)

The end. For tonight. :-)



Redbook

I'm 23!

Yay - Happy (late) birthday to me! It was a fabulous one, and we stretched it out into a birthday weekend. I got a sweet Polaroid camera from hubby, and lots of other fabulous gifts from family. It was a blast - and wow, another whole year. I'm getting old. :-)

Happy Happy Birthday to My A!

Happy birthday to my wonderful wife!

It's been quite a year full of change: soon after we celebrated our first wedding anniversary, we bought a new house. You started a job that makes more money than an Assistant Professor, and you're excelling at it. Talk about growing up a lot in one year. I'm very proud of you, babe. I'm sure this next year will offer more changes and challenges, but we'll face them together and continue to grow.

Happy birthday, and I love you! "L" for LOVE!