Oi, mush!

Sticker Shock

2008-07-07T21:26:00.000-07:00

I just paid $5.09 for a box of Weetabix cereal. I know it's British, but it's manufactured in California. Not shipped across the pond. Savor the spoonful; breakfast just got a whole lot more luxurious.

ode to patriotism

2008-07-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

Firecracker, Firecracker...BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Firecracker, Firecracker...BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Boys got the muscles, girls got the brains,
Burgers, dogs, and lots of beer...wait...who won the game??

How to...

2008-06-29T12:00:00.000-07:00

Fold a fitted sheet (from about.com):

1. Slip your hand into 2 top corners of the sheet.
2. With one hand inside each of the top 2 corners, fold the sheet (right sides together). Slip each of the top corners into one of the bottom corners.
3. Lay sheet on bed or table. Arrange and fold the corners neatly. Turn in selvage edges enough to make 4 straight sides.
4. Fold in half, then in half again. (All four corners will be stacked together, and sheet will be in a long strip.
5. Then fold the long strip in half, then in half (or thirds, depending on the size of the sheet) again to make a square.
6. Sheet should be a compact, neat square.
7. Smooth and place on shelf.

Obviously from the previous post I'm not one for reading how-to manuals. But I powered through and ended up with a semi-neat & smooth square. This is impressive considering I usually give up mid-fold and the end result looks like a wadded up heap just removed from dryer!

ESFP

2008-06-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

Extraverted Sensing with Introverted Feeling

In reorganizing my closets & cleaning out stuff for Goodwill, I came across this paper that tells me about my personality.

ESFP's learn more from doing than from studying or reading. Check. ESFP's play the role of peacemaker. I can see that. ESFP's feel a special affinity for children & animals. Yep, that's me. ESFP's are keen observers of human behaviour, sensing what's happening with other people. True. ESFP's get a lot of fun out of life and are fun to be with. ESFP's are flexible, adaptable, congenial, and easy-going. They seldom plan ahead. ESFP's dislike theory & written explanations. A-ha, that's why I seldom read instruction manuals. ESFP's are resourceful, supportive, gregarious, fun-loving, playful, and spontaneous. That sounds like me! On the flip side, ESFP's feel frustrated if they do not find a place where they can use their gifts and be appreciated for their contributions. True. ESFP's may become distracted and overly impulsive, have trouble accepting & meeting deadlines, and overpersonalize others' actions & decision. Been there. Overall, ESFP's are exuberant lovers of life and interested in people and new experiences. Wow.

Hmm. Interesting. Between this and the life designer consultation I won at a door-prize drawing, is there some sort of sign I'm missing?!

Trail Mix

2008-06-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

Running wooded trails
Dirt, roots, rocks
Don't drag your feet,
Trip, snake befriended.

bistro meals

2008-05-11T19:00:00.000-07:00

With a gallon of gas costing more than a Happy Meal, I've found myself eating in more and getting creative with items on the outer ring of the grocery. So, today, I created a tasty, healthy, aesthetically pleasing meal in my own little bistro kitchen. It's all about the presentation!

Sandwich--smoked turkey, monty jack cheese, spinach, and avocado on a toasted asiago roll

Paired with: Butternut squash--which I've never tried before, but it's amazingly easy to nuke in the microwave and tastes great sprinkled with brown sugar.

Washed down with: cold glass of milk, although a glass of chardonnay would probably be even better!

Enjoy!

Why I love downtown Nashville

2008-03-11T18:18:00.000-07:00

I got to ride the policeman's Segway on the sidewalk. How cool!

2,4,6,8

2008-02-18T14:52:00.000-08:00

who do I appreciate...1/2 marathon training...running group...Yay!

I just got a cute new pair of pants--size 8--one size less than I normally wear!

celebrity sighting...2 in one night!

2008-02-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

**Marty Stuart, sporting his trademark big hair, exiting the back door to the alley behind Robert's Western World

**Trent Tomlinson wearing his doo-rag bandana and white leather jacket in Tootsie's

I heart honky-tonking in Nashville!

Smells like...

2008-01-19T11:01:00.000-08:00

I'm sporting an interesting mix of smells after running this morning. And actually not a bad scent. I think it's the combination of freshly laundered running attire with Gain detergent (though, now, not completely fresh after 6 miles), a touch of sweat, Molton Brown Heavenly Air body spray (that I wore yesterday), whatever lotion/spray I had on when wearing my red fleece gloves I hadn't worn since the Vermont Thanksgiving Parade 11/06, and the juice of an orange I peeled for breakfast.

2008 goals...not to be confused with resolutions

2007-12-31T12:09:00.000-08:00

I'm not a New Year's Resolutions girl, but here are 3 goals of mine for the coming year:

Run 10:00/mile

I've already got a head start on this goal since I started training with InnerStrength 2 months ago. My half marathon goal time is 2:15--beating my 2003 PR (2:26).

Don't Procrastinate!

What can i say...I'm most inspired & productive by looming deadlines. However, in some aspects of life that doesn't necessarily work to my advantage.

Enjoy the moment!

This includes things like simplify, quality vs. quantity relationships, counting my blessings, etc.

Cheers to a prosperous & fulfilling 2008!

Christmas after-party

2007-12-27T05:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas tops my favorite holidays because it's festive and fun, but mostly because it's fun sorting what Christmas presents I got and reorganizing them around my house and using them. I rarely get stuff that I don't want since my family prefers the practical side of giving. This year's present list includes an iShuffle (which I've no idea how to operate), a spa gift certificate, yogic Kermit (ok, maybe not practical, but definitely cool!), Pandora bracelet, Irish lucky Nutcracker, calendars, socks, sparkly picture frames, lotions, and lip glosses. What a fun Christmas spent with my fun, witty family!!

What'd everybody else get??

Bargain of the Day

2007-10-13T10:03:00.001-07:00

YARD SALE
100% cashmere
high-end brand
orange tank
$2
Score!!!

My favorite billboards...

2007-09-27T20:38:00.000-07:00

...on I-65 North in Alabama include:

Go to church or the Devil will get you! (between Prattville & Clanton)

Call Your Parents (located around the Cullman exits)

Purple HEYS! (I-65 South around Huntsville)

Tall Outdoors Type Seeking Relationship (between Cullman & Decatur)

31 random things about yours truly....

2007-06-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

....inspired by my recent birthday celebration:

1. My favorite birthdays have typically been on odd years, i.e. those inbetween the usual famous milestone and underrated years.

2. My favorite place to worship God is outdoors (on a mountain, in a canoe, hiking a trail, cycling a path, etc).

3. I love the color pink and chartreuse (not together) on men.

4. I want a pet hedgehog.

5. I was shy as a child.

6. I love vegetables more than fruit.

7. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day.

8. I am not afraid to sit at an occupied table with extra chairs and make a new friend(s).

9. Sharing my opinion in front of a large crowd intimidates me.

10. Politics both puzzle and fascinate me.

11. I have never read a book more than once.

12. I only have 3 incisor teeth; most people have 4.

13. I'm quite an easy-going personality, probably too much so.

14. I do things on my own time.

15. I'll try most anything at least once.

16. I've visited 27 of 50 States.

17. I've visited 5 countries in Europe.

18. My Passport wants more stamps!

19. I heart ice cream.

20. Therapy, for me, is being creative painting a canvas, shaping clay, making homemade cards, or any other creative idea that pops into my head.

21. I think I'm more athletic than I actually am.

22. My first marathon I finished in 6 hrs and my race number was 11,111. The jury's still out whether there'll be a second!

23. I'm a fantastic speller.

24. Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver, the other gold. Yes, I was top cookie saleskid in 5th grade.

25. Contrary to popular belief, I was NOT a cheerleader.

26. I thought I was too cool to be in the Jr High Band OR continue piano lessons. Now, I wish I could play an instrument.

27. I learned to drive an automatic transmission using both feet.

28. I feel younger than I actually am.

29. I still plan to hang glide like I said I was going to do for my 30th birthday!

30. Now, I've added hiking bits of the Appalachian Trail to my birthday adventure list!

31. My most memorable gift this year was a liter of Colt 45.

me? assertive?

2007-04-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

My horoscope (Gemini) today reads:

If you hang back, someone else will grab the glory. Get noticed. Take up space, and speak up, too. Tonight, if you drop your guard, a darling Aquarius person or an intense Sagittarius person could steal your heart.

springtime impulsiveness

2007-03-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

Bring on some Spring!
Dave Ramsey would have suggested I saved, but I recently bought 2 things that I have no idea how to use and every intention of learning. One is the absolute, most adorable, fire-engine-red charcoal grill that is wimpy-muscle-girl lightweight and rolls like a piece of luggage! I couldn't resist; it perfectly matches my lime/red patio decor. I can already taste teriyaki chicken and grilled eggplant. Yum!

The second item is Shimano cycle shoes with clips on the bottom that fit like a Lego on my bike pedal to make climbing hills much more effective. These terrify me to the point I've put off purchasing these for 6 months. Everyone says it's normal to tip over when trying to get out of these when first learning, but swear they never go back to regular pedals. Go ahead and laugh; I feel like I did at age 6 when learning to ride my banana seat 2-wheeler!

Rainy reader

2007-02-24T13:43:00.001-08:00

I thought Spring was right around the corner the other day though this weekend has proved different. Today's cold, rainy, dreary, weather is perfect for my couch, my book, and a hot cup of tea. I've been reading a lot lately. Here's some of what's caught my eye in the past couple of months:

"Cell" by Stephen King
"Slow Burn" by Julie Garwood
"Savannah Breeze" by Mary Kay Andrews
"One for the Money" by Janet Evanovich
"Emma" by Jane Austen
"Running with Scissors" by Augusten Burroughs
"A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving
"The Innocent Man" by John Grisham
"Little Alters Everywhere" by Rebecca Wells
"Life of Pi"

What's your nose been into lately??

Go fish!

2007-01-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

I've been considering remodeling my guest bathroom!

tagged by the fabricsnob

2007-01-02T19:05:00.000-08:00

3 things--

That Scare Me: snakes, violent crime, and jumping out of a playground swing after going really high
People Who Make Me Laugh: my 22-month old niece, my witty real friends, and the cast of "Friends"
I Hate: such a strong term...let's say dislike...arrogance, disloyalty, and brussel sprouts
I Don't Understand: Geometry proofs, "The Matrix", and government politics
Things on My Desk: coaster, keyboard, and mouse
I'm Doing Right Now: typing, thinking of the 2nd thing, and tasting Al's screwcap wine that supposedly tastes bad but has a pretty bottle
I Want to Do Before I Die: have to officially insert extra pages into my Passport, raise a family, make a comfortable living using my artistic talent
I Can't Do: smoke a cigarette, roll my R's, stand shots in my arm
I Think You Should Listen to: all genres of music and your parents
You Should NEVER Listen to: people who say you can't do something
I'd Like to Learn: how to sew, how to serve in tennis, the sport of kayaking
Favorite Foods: gourmet pizza, tacos and fresh salsa, and breakfast for supper
Beverages: English ale, Coke, and milk
Shows I Watched as a Kid: Growing Pains, Dukes of Hazzard, Smurfs
I'm tagging: anyone who wants to play

these are a few of my favorite peeves

2006-12-27T00:31:00.000-08:00

SHOPPING CARTS

I have a love/hate relationship with these. They're great when you're having issues toting a gallon of milk, Tide, and 6-pack at the same time. But when they exit their happy haven known as the store do they have a problem. Why people cannot walk the cart to the buggy corral is beyond me. Instead, let's just leave 2 or 3 in the parking space for the next person to drive into or, worse yet, for it to roll oblivious to oncoming traffic. If this is you, walk it to its proper corral (and the grassy median doesn't count)! Your car will thank you!

CIGARETTE BUTTS

I hate seeing people toss these things out of moving or idled vehicles. These needlessly clutter the highway roadsides and sidewalks and make us all look like slobs. How difficult is it to 1) keep an ashtray in the car (hint: there's usually one on the dashboard or near the console) or 2) keep an empty cup in the cupholder for said butts and dispose of when actual trash can is spotted?

prayer request...

2006-11-30T21:18:00.000-08:00

...for Keith McCord & family.

This is one of my childhood/church/ high school classmates. He's not expected to live through the weekend. Medical history, treatments, reports are on www.mccordfamilytx.blogspot.com.
He leaves behind a wife and 6 month old son. Pray for comfort, peace, and understanding for this family.

Update

2006-11-21T21:38:00.000-08:00

Little Red finally made it safely back to mama's arms 13 days after I returned to the U.S.
Thanks Continental for the generous voucher after some rather easy compensation negotiations. Because of that, Mr. Kellner's letter won't be near as tacky as it could have been.

make that Little Red's World Adventure

2006-10-31T17:40:00.000-08:00

So, when Victoria from Continental indicated my luggage had flown to another city, she failed to mention it happened to be another city NOT in the United States. Yes, my luggage went back to England. In fact, it went back to the flat where we stayed. This is a HUGE inconvenience and I expect to be compensated by the airline in some way whether it be a lifetime supply of pretzels or free tickets anywhere in the U.S.

Little Red's U.S. adventure

2006-10-30T19:45:00.000-08:00

Where is my luggage????

It's been over 24 hours and still no dirty clothes, cell phone charger, and more importantly, real Cadbury UK chocolate. C'mon airport luggage people, find Little Red!

barney fife strikes again

2006-10-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

Why? Really, why! Of all the speeding tickets I've accumulated over the years, I have never been able to flirt my way to just a warning. And I still have not mastered this art. Some women get the Chippendale cops. I, however, am a magnet for all the Barney Fife, old farts out there with nothing better to do with their time but to point a radar gun to unsuspecting me.

For all you traveling this weekend, be careful out there. Drive the speed limit. More importantly, look at your license tag and make a mental note of the expiration.

For all you Nashvillians, beware of Barney Fife near Berry Hill patiently waiting for his next charge to fill his quota. If not, I'll see you in traffic school!

it's the simple things

2006-08-26T14:46:00.000-07:00

I found some inspiring stuff while cleaning out and reorganizing my upstairs closets. Why do we always make life so complex sometimes?

12 Rules of Happiness

1) Live a simple life. Don't plan too many things each day. Be temperate and moderate in your lifestyle.

2) Spend less than you earn. This may be difficult to do, but it pays big dividends in contentment and peace of mind.

3) Think constructively. Store useful thoughts in your mind.

4) Cultivate a flexible disposition. Resist the tendency to want your own way. Try to see another person's point of view.

5) Be grateful. Begin each day with a prayer of thanksgiving for all your blessings. Let God know you are grateful.

6) Rule your moods. Your mental attitude is all-important in living at peace with others.

7) Give generously. Intelligent giving of your time, talents, personality, and money will bring great joy.

8) Work with right motives. Seek to grow favor with God and man, seeking His will first in your life.

9) Be interested in others. As we serve others, we reap happiness as a byproduct of a life of self-giving.

10) Make the most of today. Use it wisely so you may look back on it without regret.

11) Take time for a hobby. Time spent on leisure interests should bring you diversion and relaxation.

12) Stay close to God. Enduring happiness depends on continuing spiritual nourishment. As God's children, we have His promise of constant love and care.

--I don't know who wrote this, but it came from a church bulletin somewhere

Record breaking 3 in one day!

2006-08-20T12:37:00.000-07:00

Check out this site that calculates how much you're worth:

www.humanforsale.com

Personally, I think I'm worth more than $1,649,500!

weird??

2006-08-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

Am I the only person in the world that loves cleaning up at the end of a party, gathering, or weekend sleepover?!

somewhat useless birthday factoids

2006-08-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

http://www.paulsadowski.org/birthday.asp

who thinks up this stuff??

According to the birthday calculator:

You were born on a Sunday under the astrological sign Gemini.
Your Life path number is 6.
Life Path Compatibility:You are most compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 3, 6 & 9.
You should get along well with those with the Life Path numbers 2, 4, 8, 11 & 22.
You are least compatible with those with the Life Path numbers 1, 5 & 7.
The Julian calendar date of your birth is 2442942.5.
The golden number for 1976 is 1.
The epact number for 1976 is -1.
The year 1976 was a leap year.
Your birthday falls into the Chinese year beginning 1/31/1976 and ending 2/17/1977.You were born in the Chinese year of the Dragon.
Your Native American Zodiac sign is Elk; your plant is Mullein.
You were born in the Egyptian month of Mesore, the fourth month of the season of Shomu (Harvest).
Your date of birth on the Hebrew calendar is 15 Sivan 5736.

Celebrities who share your birthday:
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (1986)
Raz-B (1985)
Rivers Cuomo (1970)
Jamie Walters (1969)
Ally Sheedy (1962)
Tim Allen (1953)
Richard Thomas (1951)
Malcolm McDowell (1943)
Siegfried Fischbacher (1939)
Christo (1935)
Paul Lynde (1926)
Ralph Edwards (1913)
William Butler Yeats (1865)

Your age is the equivalent of a dog that is 4.31506849315068 years old. (You're still chasing cats!)

Decade full of fun

2006-06-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

So, apparently Yahoo! is psychic and seems to know when I'm lacking blog topics and now lists these freebie questions every so often to keep me in the game. The one I found recently is "What were you doing 10 years ago today?" Goodness time flies when I'm having fun!
I can't nail the exact day, however this time in 1996 (and that does NOT seem so long ago!) I had just turned 20. Funny how some birthdays stand out more than others and that one doesn't. I was taking 2 classes at Auburn--Spanish and Philosophy. I only took 2 classes so I wouldn't have to move back home for the summer or secure gainful employment in Auburn, thus allowing me more play time. I do remember many a trip to Atlanta, including the Olympics where I saw Cuba vs. Italy play baseball. Not as thrilling as track and field, but keeping in tune with my disturbing proximity to tragic world events this game was the afternoon following the Olympic Park bombing. That summer also brought a lot of mountain biking, trips to the Stone Mountain Laser Light Show, and Chewacla State Park for hikes and picnics.
Ahhh....Auburn really is the loveliest village of the Plains!!

What do you remember back then?!

celebrities love nashville, too!

2006-05-20T08:53:00.000-07:00

This town's loaded with celebrities running around town! My latest brush with stardom since watching that movie with Keith and Nicole has been a couple of Titans. The General Mgr, Floyd Reese, runs by my office everyday around lunchtime, the same route, the same speed (he putters, but hey whatever works). Today, during the Tour de Nash, Nashville's own version of the Tour de France celebrating our very cool greenways and bike lanes, I cycled 12.9 miles with Eddie George! He was looking VERY buff in his spandex!
This is just weird because I never run into famous faces!

germaphobe nation

2006-05-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

I had a metropolitan observation. I stopped by the auto mechanic shop
to get the oil changed in my car. I don't just go to any ol QuikieLube. My shop is a mom & pop operation and you may as well expect to see Goober waving when you drive up. Today, I noticed this young pup had on rubber gloves. Seriously? You're supposed to have dirt and grime under your nails! My, oh my, I see we've come a long way since the 60's!

Herb grilled salmon and a side of keys

2006-04-30T12:10:00.000-07:00

I, along with my brother and family, spent the weekend at my parents house. Hanging out at their house is always full of good food and a good time. After 1/2 marathoning, shopping and playing all day, by dinnertime we were famished. However, the best things come to those who wait! My bro fired up the grill and we had salmon filets, marinated portabello mushrooms with goat cheese, and garden salad, along with wine and beer. Yum! So, fast forward 12 hrs. Breakfast served. Bro and fam headed home. Mom and I worked on a little creative project, and I'm getting ready to leave. Where are my keys? Let's see...Tracing my steps...I had them in my hand when I got out of my car previous evening...Locked my car with my key remote....Rule out keys in car...I was helping my sister inlaw carry stuff in the house from their car....shopping bags....Inside house, set bags on counter, put my overnight bag and purse in chair in my room. That was last time I held my keys. Or so I thought. I searched every nook, cranny, drawer, closet, flower pot, even the fridge. Then as the very last possible gross idea, Daddy and I went downstairs to where I took out the garbage. (We also had a bonding/deja vu flashback of searching the garbage at Bucky's Chicken for my retainer when I was 6. Eww.) It was then when I pulled out an empty CheezIts wrapper and a cardboard drink holder that I remembered in addition to the shopping bags I was carrying, I was also carrying the trash from the cars and after I set the bags on the counter my next stop was the garbage can. Minutes and the bottom of the trash bag later, there was my shiny key chain! Yay!

Moral of story: garbage is important, too!

P.S. I got 500 yards up the road on the way home when I realized my cell phone was missing! Guess where it was?!

This is only a test...

2006-03-14T23:04:00.000-08:00

And now for an important message from your sponsor......

Some fabu television this Sweeps that everyone needs to watch!

The Amazing Race
American Idol (cheer for Chris Daughtry!!)
Grey's Anatomy
continuous Friends reruns
NPT

We now return to your regularly scheduled programming......

Stone Mountain, GA has nothing on this!

2006-03-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

Reporting 22 hours status post Lasik vision surgery! Wow what an experience!

Yesterday, I had my own personal laser light show with alien faces, spaceships, and red and green gamma sectors running amok! Ok, so maybe that part of it was the Valium talking, but I think I even commented to Dr. Arrowsmith that it was just crazy how all that could fix my horrible nearsightedness!

So after the crucial 2 hour nap period, a brief hour of semi-consciousness to suck up some oatmeal, and back to actual sleep, I woke up this morning with barely even a haze! My post-op appointment was good, my cornea was smooth, and I spend the next week keeping clear of projectiles (not an easy task for accident prone over here!) and keeping lots of drops in my eyes.

Time for drops!

A.

Yeah Yeah Sabbatical's over...

2006-02-16T07:02:00.000-08:00

Ahh..spring...my favorite time of year...wait...not quite; it's still February. What's up with this wacko weather! It feels like it's April yet Christmas just passed. Spring, winter, Spring, and now back to winter this weekend! I'm confused.

Where were we....oh, before Christmas....

Christmas was a total blast this year with the baby niece being 10 months old. Forget a present; Aunt Manda made her a uber-cool, rockin' cardboard blue car box. Her fertile imagination just cruised around the living room like it was the California coast!

New Years, I spent in Macon, GA with my college friends hanging out by the bonfire on Lake Wildwood, sipping cocktails, and watching fireworks. Good times! Then road trippin' to Orlando, the very next day, for the Citrus Bowl featuring my Auburn boys and Wisconsin. We lost. We really didn't even show up to play. Score one for fan loyalty! I did learn that I will never again (unless I find myself in the trucking industry) drive half the Southeast in 36 hrs. Poor folks who had to listen to me at work the following day--just call me Grumps!

Hmm...January. I decided to upgrade the home. Currently, the wall looks like a patchwork quilt since I've yet to decide on a paint color, however soon the repainting will begin, furniture rearranged, and general spiffing for a new and improved home sweet home!
The month of 01 also brought my first NHL hockey game since the lockout--Predators vs. Avalanche (4-3!). Go Preds!

February...ahh...month of love and The Bachelor. Shamefully, I confess to being sucked into this season since Travis is a Nashvillian and I probably spied and called him for my team at the Turkey Toss in December!
The niece also celebrated the BIG 1! The cake was delish! As expected, the adults had entirely way more fun than pipsqueak and 15 of her little pals.

Tunes I've come to love since last blog entry: The Fray, Tristan Prettyman, Kanye, Amos Lee, and The Wallflowers.

Next month if all goes well at the 3 hour consult, after 15 years of contacts and even longer wearing glasses, I should be able to see the alarm clock without being blurry! Yay for Lasik vision correction! I'm a tad nervous, so let me know about your experience!

And I think there's a blog birthday coming up soon! How does one celebrate the birth of blog?!

Ok, enough for now....LET IT SNOW!!!

A.

tagged by the fabricsnob

2006-01-02T19:00:00.000-08:00

Three things -

That Scare me: snakes, violent crime, and jumping out of a playground swing after going really high
People who make me laugh: my 22-month old niece, my witty friends, and the cast of 'Friends'
I hate: such a strong term...let's say dislike....arrogance, disloyalty, and brussel sprouts
I don't understand: Geometry proofs, 'The Matrix', and government politics
Things on my desk: keyboard, mouse, and coaster
I'm doing right now: typing, thinking about the 2nd thing, and tasting Al's screwcap wine that supposedly tastes bad but has a pretty bottle
I want to do before I die: have to officially insert extra pages into my Passport, raise a family, and make a comfortable living using my artistic talent
I can't do: smoke a cigarette, roll my R's, stand shots in my arm
I think you should listen to: all genres of music, your parents
You should NEVER listen to: people who say you can't do something
I'd like to learn: how to sew, how to kayak, and how to serve in tennis
Favorite foods: gourmet pizza, tacos & fresh salsa, and breakfast for supper
Beverages: English ale, Coke, and milk
Shows I watched as a kid: Growing Pains, Dukes of Hazzard, and Smurfs
I'm tagging: anyone who wants to play

Santa's got a sense of humor

2005-12-11T20:20:00.000-08:00

Here you have it, folks! My gift received from the 2005 church group dirty santa gift exchange! This is ingenious! Thanks Katie!

Also under the tree this year making a return appearance was the frozen Tofurkey (complete with "giblet" gravy) and the Daffy Duck hair dryer.

Things you can do with cranberry sauce

2005-11-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

Okay, Mom may have said "Don't play with your food!", however the OceanSpray company (home to the famed cranberry sauce in the shape of a can) says otherwise!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

May your weekend be blessed with plenty of family, food, football, and fun!!!

Things I've learned

2005-11-22T19:30:00.000-08:00

This morning while finishing off a bowl of cereal (and procrastinating getting ready for work!) I picked up off my bookshelf that 'Live Learn & Pass It On' book. So, I was inspired to list a few things of my own that I've learned this year:

...the more things change the more they stay the same
...that I am a unique person full of qualities that everyone should want to get to know
...that I am strong-willed, stubborn, and these traits were dutifully passed onto me by previous generations
...that there is so much going on in the world that I should never be bored
...it's okay to dream and it's okay for those dreams to be redefined in the course of life
...about justice, freedom, and opportunities created by generations past
...that American culture should take a lesson from European culture concerning stress-free living
...that I can accomplish what I set my mind to do
...that society, rich or poor, shares their wealth in times of need
...that the Bible is really not that old-fashioned and I should seek its knowledge more often
...I can laugh at myself till I cry

Of course, I'll most certainly add to this list as I think of more!

A.

It's great to be an Auburn Tiger!

2005-11-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

FINAL SCORE 31-30!!!!

Rolling Toomer's: Victory in Auburn!!

War Damn Eagle!

2005-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hmm...looks like I've been blog slackerific lately. I've been a tad busy, ahem...in England, and there's way too much to tell about that trip to be covered in one huge post!

Speaking of huge, this weekend is a HUGE weekend for SEC football! My boys, #15 Auburn, are playing in the 109th meeting with #9 Univ of Georgia, also known as the Oldest Rivalry of the South. I'm pretty excited about this meeting and nervous since I think UGA's not leaving any room for mistakes from Auburn after the big loss to UF in Jacksonville. Shockley is supposed to QB for UGA, so we'll see how long he lasts coming back from injury. I'll also be keeping tabs on another HUGE game, Bama/LSU since the outcome of that one will likely determine the mood for the Iron Bowl (Bama/Auburn) next weekend!

And HUGE birthday wishes go out to Al today! War Eagle, girl!

Rah Rah Sis Boom Bah!

A.

Cyclepath!

2005-10-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Me passing through Bell Buckle!
Claire and Jonathan making it look easy!

This a recovery post from last weekend's Jack & Back bike ride for MS. In case anyone was on the edge of their seats wondering if I succeeded, I not only rode 100 miles, but 116! And I really have not been sore at all! The ride itself was very enjoyable!
Claire and Jonathan pedaled into rhythm on the tandem bike while John, Karen, and I all maintained a comfortable pace riding solo.
The route took a total of 600-700 bikers through Franklin, College Grove, Bell Buckle, Rockvale, Shelbyville, and Lynchburg just to name a few. We faced wretched headwinds the entire first day which slowed us down an hour or so. I don't think I was mistaking sweat for a tear when, around mile 53, I passed the sign that informed me I was entering Metropolitan (pop. 381) Lynchburg Moore County!
When we arrived at Motlow, we were greeted by Claire's parents, who'd driven up from Huntsville, and the Shofners, who were there to lead a large group of us to their accomodating house (yay for showers!) and barn (yay for the loft!) in rural Lynchburg. After showers and meeting other friends sharing the farm, we loaded up and headed to the Hill at the distillery for fried catfish, bbq, the best hushpuppies ever, and unlimited supply of Jack and coke and Lynchburg lemonade! After a long day and full tums, everyone was fast asleep at 9pm. The next morning we geared up to head back to Franklin, another 58 miles. Folks I'd talked with agreed the second leg was far easier than the first because of the downhills and tailwinds. And they weren't kidding. We made it back quicker even stopping at every food station! We also rode the second leg with friends we'd met at the farm. And we were greeted at the finish by the Bruns', Ange, and Liz, all coordinated by Claire!
Much thanks goes to the uber-organization of the ride, sponsors, pledges, and friends! I know I would do it again! Anyone up for the ride from Graceland to Tunica?!?!

A.

Another fun tag game!

2005-10-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

"I'm looking forward to the Country Music 1/2 marathon, sharpening my guitar playing abilities, painting, traveling, a couple of Nashville symphony pops performances, and Memphis in May, just to name a few."

This was me talking about how I love Spring and all of the fun things I had to look forward to!
A great time was had on all except still need to work on sharpening the guitar playing abilities!

Now, I tag: anyone who would like to play since evidently our little blog circle is limited to the same folks as the last tag!

The rules: 1) Go into your archive. 2) Find your 23rd post. 3) Find the fifth sentence. 4) Post the text of the sentence in your blog along with these instructions. 5) Tag 7 other people to do the same.

Have fun!!

A.

Tag, You're It!

2005-09-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

I've been tagged! Here are my 7 Q's & A's!

7 things I plan to do before I die:
~travel to Reykjavik, Iceland, Italy, Spain, and Greece
~own an art studio
~honeymoon in Maine
~go on a mission trip
~see a world wonder
~read the classic novels I never read from 7th-12th grade (no Cliff notes!)
~teach a class

7 things I can do:
~paint
~sculpt dirt
~cook
~make people laugh
~knit
~legally perform CPR (frightening thought)
~roll my tongue

7 things I cannot do:
~sing
~sew a pattern
~hold my breath underwater for more than 2 minutes
~run fast
~roll my R's
~smoke a cigarette
~lie

7 things that attract me to another person:
~kindness
~wit
~sense of adventure
~loyalty
~compassion
~belief in God
~life experiences

7 celebrity crushes:
~Matthew McConaghey
~Hugh Grant
~Kirk Cameron (in 7th grade!)
~Matthew Broderick
~Kevin Skarupa
~Drew Bennett
~Ben Affleck

7 things I say the most:
~kidding (thanks lb!)
~awesome (thanks lesley!)
~at work when answering the phone, "Disability, this is Amanda"
~at work after phone conversation has ended, "Really? Your 12 month old is ADHD??"
~Huh? (bad habits are hard to break!)
~What?
~Crap

Tag, You're It!
~LB
~Al
~Chadd
~Caroline
~Rachel
~Lauren
~Michelle Schull

Have fun!

A.

Fitness Challenge

2005-09-13T21:26:00.000-07:00

I am always on the prowl for fun and challenging ways to exercise. Dreadmills bore me. Routines always make me feel as if I've failed if I decide to have a no-exercise day. Body, mind, and soul crave fun, endurance, and challenge. I love anything from rock climbing and kickboxing to jogging and belly dancing! So, my latest challenge is the MS Jack and Back bike ride from Franklin, TN to Lynchburg, TN on Oct 1&2. It's 50 miles both ways. I'm on a team with friends to make the recreational charity ride more fun and hopefully less painful. I think the most fun part of it is organizing (in my mind) the rides for the next 3 weeks. I have plans to bike 30 min during lunch, maybe 1 hr or so after work, discover more of these greenways everyone raves about, and the ultimate....riding Natchez Trace....well, part of it anyway! Call me crazy, but I figure if I finished a marathon I can do anything! So, wish me luck and pledge a dollar and, hopefully, I'll have picture proof of a successful century ride!

A.

More Teenage Drama

2005-08-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

So, after the first post about the "Being a Teenager" monologues I found in my attic, I decided some of these topics are just too funny and cheesy to store back in the carton. If I'm hurting for blogging material I might share more, but for now here's 3 of my classmates' narratives:

Animal Rights by Andrea
"Animals are living creatures that rely on only the few advantages they have. The one disadvantage they have is the fact that they can't state their opinions and rely on humans to know what is right and wrong. Unfortunately, many of us don't know what is right. This means that millions of animals will be slaughtered because we cared only about ourselves. The only way they can defend themselves is what they've been given, unfortunately it isn't enough to keep them alive. There are too many effortless people and too little people who care."
Hmm...this looks like the preamble to the bill we tried to pass about animal cruelty in Jr High legislature that same year!

School by Bryan
"Nine years of school and still four more years to go. Then college! I don't know if I can take it much longer! If summer doesn't get here soon, I think I'll die! My grades are low and still dropping. The teachers are really bugging me. I'm always getting into trouble for some dumb reason or sometimes no reason at all! Some teachers complain that I don't do my homework, and it's like I've got better things to do. It's a mess. For example, the other day in science class during the 5 min break, Im sitting there talking to the guy beside me. Then the bell rings. So I look around and everyone else in the room is still talking. EVERYONE! So, I turned around and kept talking. Then the teacher walks in, points at me, and the next thing I know I'm out in the hall being told I have to write off 200 times for talking. And everyone else was talking, too. Well, I guess I'll live."
Wow..I wonder if he ever made it to college?

Music by Miles
"Hey! I think I should be able to listen to what I want to. You shouldn't try to limit my music. I don't try to tell you what to listen to. You think you can control my every move. That's not right. I can think for myself. Just because some of the people drink and do drugs doesn't mean I have to copy them. I just like the music, not what some of them do. You haven't even heard what you're putting down. The only reason you are trying to make me stop listening to this is because you don't like the way it sounds. I don't like the way your music sounds. And at least I keep my music at a decent level. You turn yours all the way up. I put up with it. But when I barely turn mine up, you start complaining. You should try to like my music. I'll try to like yours even though that's almost impossible. Don't complain about my music and I won't complain about yours, O.K.?"
Ahh..teen angst! I wonder if he's now an Industry person??

A.

Curley

2005-08-23T19:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is what I call a good hair day!

Aunt A.

Being a Teenager

2005-08-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

As I was going through my attic cleaning out stuff for the OC yard sale, I found some cartons with important-enough-to-be-saved items from kindergarten to college. I even found a signed picture of Billy Ray Cyrus from his Achy-Breaky mullet days! Yikes! In particular, I happened upon some monologues from Mrs. Lester's 8th Grade Advanced Reading class that we wrote about 'Being a Teenager'--thoughts on various topics including school, animal cruelty, and the afterlife, etc. Even at 13, I had a sense of humor! Here's my witty prose about the driver's license:

"A UFO is an Unidentified Flying Object, therefore a URO must be an Unidentified Rolling Object. This object has four wheels but they seem to be two or three feet away from the body of the object. The object has anti-lock brakes and two doors. It also has windows that have been darkened. This URO screeches as it travels and has stripes on its side. It also has an antenna on the hood....but wait a second....the door opens and from the inside comes the deafening sound of Metallica in the tape deck. There are dice hanging in the mirror. Then an alien steps down. He's wearing shades and he looks cool. Could this be a teenager who has just gotten his drivers license??"

Somewhere there's a videotape of these monologues and I was stylin' in my Guess shirt and tight-rolled jeans. Wow. Napoleon Dynamite would be so proud!

A.

Life is precious, life is sweet

2005-08-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

Just a word of caution: this post gets very sentimental!
Recently, I traveled to the land of Dixie to visit family and friends. I became increasingly aware of how quickly my baby niece is growing! The littlest princess is preparing to graduate from noisy babble to her very first word. She's working on the lalalala's and dadada's. I was hoping she'd babble at least an "A" for her favorite aunt, but I think the long vowel was too much! Then I wondered whether 'mama' and 'dada' should even count as a first word? I also got in a visit with 2 more friends, my parents, and my 90 year old Granny! I realized how important my family and friends are in my life.
And this weekend I'm even more aware of just how precious life is. I always think of my mother on August 19th. I know it's a day of emotions for her and she always makes sure my brother and I know of her unconditional love for us. August 19th is the death of my maternal grandparents. Not together on the same day, but 13 years apart. I always think about the Grandmama I always hear so much about, yet I never knew as she was killed when I was just 2 years old. I'll never forget the day Dad left this world from the nursing home bed I know he disliked. It seems lately there are even more reminders of just how precious life is and for me not to take for granted the blessed people, things, and experiences that make my life that much more meaningful.
I pray that I show compassion for my terminally ill neighbor that I see is now mobile via wheelchair, that I listen intently to the amazing stories that Granny has to share of her life because I know I might never get that chance again, that I set a good example for my baby niece who is growing and is a constant source of pride, amazement, and humor for my whole family, that one day I hope to be a mother and teach all the things I've learned, and I pray that I never lose sight of my roots. I thank God every day for the fantastic friends I have who I trust and adore and have the best of times with ("What would we do if we weren't us"?!?!)!
And I pray that I live each day to its fullest and I will always trust God with all my heart!

A.

Who's the grown up?

2005-08-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

Remember that post about learning lessons everyday? Well, here's another one. I'm a wee bit embarrassed to say that I was scolded by a 3 year old. We were sitting in a circle in Bible class singing 'Happy & You Know It' and one of the kids did something and I said 'Oh my gosh'. And I was quickly corrected by precocious Ellery that I'm not supposed to say that and I should say "Oh my goodness" instead. I suddenly felt smaller than 3 feet high and made sure to tell Ellery that I was sorry. It's amazing how much kids really do pay attention even when you think they're not! Apparently, I have a lot to learn about kids!

A.

Reading is sexy!

2005-08-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

(Title line compliments of Melody for that hilarious logo t-shirt you found!)
Today is just one of those days where I would rather be lounging poolside with 2 books I'd like to finish. So, I made a list of books I've been wanting to read. Maybe I should coordinate a read-a-thon?!? In no particular reading order:

Searching for God Knows What--Donald Miller

Mark of the Lion Series

The Bell Witch

Chronicles of Narnia --CS Lewis (preferably by the time the movie releases, but I know my reading track record!)

Skinny Legs and All -- Tom Robbins

Dress Your Family In Corduroy and Denim by David Sedaris

The Scarlet Letter (because I haven't read since 9th grade)

Silas Marner (because I haven't read since 7th grade)

East of Eden --Steinbeck

Dr Jekyll Mr Hyde

My Year of Meats --Ruth Ozecki

Speaking with the Angel and A Long Way Down --Nick Hornby

A Case for Christ

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 & 3 --Anne Brashears (yes, I'm a cheeseball!)

a Jane Austen novel (prompted by recent visit to England, of course!)

And I'm pretty sure this list will change faster than Harry Potter can apparate!

A.

Love Thy Neighbour

2005-07-30T15:03:00.000-07:00

I'm constantly learning lessons in life, some quicker than others. Today, I learned to keep my doors locked even if I'm home. Evidently nowadays one can't even enjoy a gorgeous summer day running in and out of the house at leisure and listening to tunes on the radio. While upstairs getting ready to head to the pool, I hear a knock on my door. I'm thinking to myself, "Oh crap, I wonder who that is" because I can't get to the door right now in my current state of dress (or not) as the case may be. Thinking after incessant knocking, this person would kindly cease attempt and walk away, I start to resume my pool plans. Then I hear the door open! I hear, "Hello!". I "hello" back hustling to find something to cover myself and I manage to find the corner of the wall at the landing at the top of my stairs. While I'm annoyed that my neighbour's kin takes the liberty to help herself to my house and all the while I'm trying to explain to her that I can't come to the door, she's loudly telling me to turn down my bass (apparently Lightning 100 is such a bass-booming station) because my neighbor is terminally ill and somehow because she hears "I'm Christian" that's supposed to make me walk downstairs partially naked and turn it down! Even the better in this episode is that in my fertive attempts to tell woman at my door why I can't come downstairs, she claims she can't hear me out of her left ear because my radio's too loud. Although my radio couldn't quite compare to the noise level at the last rock concert I attended, I did comply with her request because I'm not tacky like that. But, sheesh, the next time they have a request, I'd prefer them use the phone!

A.

Ode to Cold Storage

2005-07-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

So, the delivery folks just brought my new fridge. After 5 years, the old one started its decline in the Spring and, myself in denial, I thought it would miraculously heal itself in time. Not a chance. So, I finally sucked it up and purchased one for roughly what it would have cost to contract a posse of fridge geeks to replace the compressor and other parts unknown to me. And in addition to the $50 delivery fee, I had to pay $20 because I have more than 6 steps to my house and this fridge wouldn't fit in the back door (2 steps). My continuous flirty banter and pottery barter didn't even work as payment either. Good to know I'm paying these fellas health and disability insurance when they blow a lumbar disc! Tonight, I'm celebrating cold storage with a trip to the grocery store for cookie dough ice cream!

Funeral Director?

2005-07-11T20:26:00.000-07:00

Towards the end of my sophomore year of college with still an Undecided classification for a major, I took the Myers-Briggs personality inventory and the Strong career indicator. Of course, it told me the obvious--I'm a extrovertive, creative, artistic mind that would do best in jobs not related to anything mathematics or accounting and suggested I would make a good funeral director. Today, I randomly wondered if I took those tests again after 5 years experience in the "real world" if the results would be the same. I googled Myers-Briggs and took their online questions and I'm still an ESFP--extroverted, sensing, feeling, perceiving. I tried to take the online Strong, but at $80 just for the hell of it, no thanks. So, while I'm not at all surprised I'm an ESFP, I now wonder if I would still make a good funeral director like the test told me in 1996. In many ways it seems our generation has it a whole lot harder than previous generations with 80,000 occupations from which to choose. My parents went to college where the majors were education, nursing, and engineering. I went to college and took courses like mate selection, food and nutrition, organic gardening, and relationship competence. No wonder it takes more than 4 years to obtain a bachelors degree! And granted I have a very comfortable and accomodating cushy job right now that pays decent, funny how disability examiner never made it on the Top 5 what-do-you-want-to-be lists!

Pigeon what?

2005-05-30T14:18:00.000-07:00

My family has vacationed in the mountains for Memorial Day the past 5 years. Typically, we segregate: guys spend the day golfing and the girls shop and we meet back at the cabin early evening for whatever gourmet, palate-pleasing goodness my brother's in the mood to cook. Dan, you would not want to chew! Anyways, among the usual discussions of family history, traditions, and current banter, the first night my cousin and my father are sharing excerpts from the last Kiwanis meeting they attended. A guest speaker was invited and while one may think speakers talk about motivational topics, self-help, family, and civic stuff, this one introduced the rest of us to the sport of pigeon racing. Yes, I said pigeons. As in the order of species you feed bread to at the park. I shall not talk negative about these pigeons because some are worth more than my years of cosmetic dentistry plus some! Daddy and John had somewhat of a difficult time telling this without laughing, but between both of them at the meeting managed to explain that these are homing pigeons and they're trained to fly from Florida to Tennessee or wherever and whichever gets to the finish line first wins and makes many of the whole 15 members of the Pigeon Racing club very, very happy! You can imagine we had mouthfuls of questions such as, "How do they know which one won?", "What happens if they get lost and don't make it?", "What happens when they can't race anymore?", "How do you train a pigeon?", "Is wingspan important?", and most importantly, "Who picked the speaker for this particular Kiwanis meeting?".
Wow. This beats the Fainting Goat festival hands down!

A.

100% all beef patty?

2005-05-26T04:53:00.000-07:00

I rarely eat at McDonald's, mainly because there are a wealth of other non-franchise, local eateries I like a whole lot better, but occasionally I find myself there if I'm ravenous and possibly delusional. Yesterday I had the great American meal--cheeseburger, salty fries, and small Coke. About 15 minutes after first bite, I was having second thoughts. I inspected the last couple of bites of "beef" patty reminiscent of the gray disc they call edible in the school cafeteria and then decided I really did want to know the ingredients of the alleged all-beef patty. I Googled "ingredients of McDonald's hamburger" and got this site:
http://www.mcdonalds.com/app_controller.nutrition. I found it's 100% all beef, USDA inspected, with no additives, fillers, or extenders. Hmm. I was expecting another definition like "100% lard, E-grade "beef", unbutton the top button of your pants for the expanding waistline, and has enough preservatives to cure roadkill." Oh well, I still don't think I'll be eating much more than a famous McDonald's Coke or fruit & yogurt parfait, but it's an interesting find.
Check out the list of ingredients for the Sausage Breakfast Burrito!

A.

Iroquois Peoplechase

2005-05-21T01:15:00.000-07:00

5 years in Nashville and last Saturday was my first Steeplechase attendance. More appropriately titled "peoplechase" for us commoners merely making the pilgrimage to view the biggest and tackiest accouterments. No threat of lightning and heavy rain kept us from the social event of the season! We started the day off with LBellinos, a tasty tropical concoction of vodka-marinated pineapple and champagne. 12 noon and we already prefer designated drivers! In fine clothing even the A-list celebs would envy, we marched up Edwin Warner park to the hill for our picnic of sandwiches, dessert, salads, and an assortment of beverages. Ahhh...a nice, relaxing afternoon watching the horses ever so gracefully running laps. And then it began. A quick shower at 2, another at 3, and then the Big One at 4. Umbrellas and raincoats rendered useless, we called it an afternoon and headed towards the shuttle to take us nearer the parking field. It's obvious standing in the shuttle line that everyone quit having fun 1 hour ago and was primarily wishing for dry. The whole experience was well worth getting drenched, though my now misshapen pink cowboy hat might post another opinion!

A.

I never have a camera with me when I need it!

2005-05-11T16:04:00.000-07:00

Why is it when there is a film-worthy moment, I never have a camera and vice versa?? Today while sitting in traffic on the interstate I was behind a truck (probably from Trafford; I couldn't see the license plate) pulling a trailer with a very homemade race car atop. I questioned whether the car had an engine or was just for show, but then decided if the fella went to the trouble to haul it from the Mel's garage to downtown Nashville that it probably was fully functional. This car was a sight and was sponsored by Mel's Tires. And emblazoned on the back of the car where I suppose the spoiler used to be, it said "In Memory of Fat Boy." I passed the driver of the truck who was, how do I say nicely, well, someone who may have been a native Traffordian. And then I wondered if this was Fat Boy's father? I kind of felt bad for Fat Boy. I would imagine there would be self-esteem, among other, problems to complement this nickname.

This memorable sighting also made me think of another day a few years ago that I spotted a very disheveled homeless man with a vocabulary worthy of the Scripps-Howard National spelling bee. Once again, I was sitting in traffic, waiting for a red light to change, and I look over and this guy's holding a sign that says "Hungry Assiduous Mendicant." Figuring Webster's isn't within arm's reach of your keyboard, this means diligent beggar. If I'd had a leftover banana or apple in my lunchbox, I would have rewarded his vocabulary and wittiness!

A.

When I grow up, I want to be....

2005-05-10T10:09:00.000-07:00

Quite often in my job do I refer to the DOT (not to be mistaken for the transportation department or your grade school cafeteria lunch lady) which stands for the Dictionary of Occupational Titles. Since the actual book is about 3 inches thick and I don't have that much time, I have 3 pages of quick reference with sedentary to heavy jobs that I use for vocational assessments. I also have my special page of carefully selected and completely valid, but random jobs in the national economy just for those misfit constituents that have annoyed me at some point during the disability adjudication process. Here's my top 10 list:

10) coin collector (medium exertion, requires minimal training)
9) religious ritual slaughterer (medium, skilled job)
8) hacker-brick & tile industry, not microsoft-(medium exertion, unskilled)
7) showgirl (light exertion, unskilled work) this one's a hit with those
status post hip replacement surgery!
6) squeak, rattle, and leak repairer (medium exertion, unskilled) how original
5) extra (light exertion, unskilled) Think Phoebe in the episode of
'Friends' when she needed money and she played the surgical nurse on DOOL!
4) meter reader (light exertion, sort of skilled) Beware of dog!
3) artists model (light, sort of skilled) A fabulous new career for the middle
aged! Or maybe just wanting to earn cash modeling in the buff!
2) shoe shiner (light exertion, unskilled) because these jobs are
readily available on any street corner and overhead is low.
1) psychic reader (sedentary, sort of skilled) apparently, it isn't just a gift
from the Heavens and anyone can do it.

Geranimals aren't just for toddlers

2005-05-01T12:11:00.000-07:00

I failed to mention in my earlier Kenyan post that after CM 1/2 the rest of the day included entertaining my family in town, hanging out at the Citgo station for the bluegrass jam (aka The Henpeck Market--a fabu good time the last weekend of every month!), and honky-tonkin' at the finer establishments of downtown Nashvegas. All this is important to say that I may not have run a full 26.2 marathon, but I participated in my own 24 Hour Marathon of Sleeplessness!
While consuming rounds of beer with my friends at Roberts Western World Saturday night we picked up a few cute gents, one bearing a caribou on his shirt pocket. Soon after, we had a new hand signal that looked something like Morris the Moose's antlers in childrens literature!
I didn't "finish" my 24 Hour Marathon of Sleeplessness, but amazingly, I did have a vast amount of energy reserve at 2 am that I would have done well on that 'Cram' show on GSN!

A.

I'm Kenyan on the Inside

2005-05-01T08:51:00.000-07:00

Since I was excited reading Dan's account of the Country Music 1/2 marathon yesterday, I will post my own play-by-play! I made a shirt with this blog title, but I changed my mind and wore coolmax and sacrificed humour for comfort since likelihood of rain/sweat and all-cotton shirt make for unpleasant chafing. I had "trained" more (longest training run 7 miles) for this year's run than 2004 and it showed. Although in 2004 I had also just completed the grueling Rock n Roll Arizona (1st marathon) and wasn't really fond of running for a few months after 1/04. But I always love CM 1/2 because it's Nashville's race and 13.1 miles of bands, crowds, and favorite hotspots always make me smile!
So, I had my Mp3 this year with 63 songs for my listening pleasure. My brother, Todd, also ran the half and also ran, so he says, no more than 4 miles in training. I ate his dust and he finished in 2:14; go bro! I started in Corral 11 with Dan and Todd and I was on my own from .5 mile. I did pan the crowd constantly looking for someone, anyone, that I might have known! Good thing I had a camera in my pocket for entertainment. I have some great pictures of silly signs, strange outfits, people I passed that I knew, and our lovely skyline! I jogged pretty much all 13.1, only walking through the water stops. I was feeling strong and even running the hills that I normally choose to walk philosophically thinking I walk faster than I run up a hill. I really started to feel the physical soreness and stiffness around the end of mile 10/11. I got another kick at the split since it just two more miles. Aside: I really admire anyone that conquers the whole Country Music Marathon because at the split there is the sign that says "CM 15.2 miles to go" and "CM 1/2 2.2 miles to go" that is just mental torture! So, I got another burst of energy around the Capital and kept on running till the end and the only folks I spotted as spectators in the entire run was LB and her brother at the finish and of course all of my speedy friends at the big O family reunion area! I finished in 2:36 this year and I have a greater appreciation for the tortoise!
Here are the songs that kept me running, some repeated 3-4 times for power surge:

Pixies "Here comes your man" x3 and I crossed the start/finish with this song!
U2 "Beautiful Day"
U2 "Desire" x3
Lo Fidelity Allstars (great power song!)
JoDee Messina "I'm Alright"
Blink 182 "All the Small Things"
Foo Fighters "Monkey Wrench" x2
Stevie Wonder
Cake "The Distance" x3
SmashMouth "Walkin in the Sun" x2
Goo Goo Dolls "Here is Gone"
Webb Wilder "Louisiana Hannah" x2 (my favorite hill song!)
Pat Green "Somewhere between Texas & Mexico"
Sara Evans "Perfect"
Sara Evans "Suds in the Bucket"
No Doubt "Just a Girl" x2

(I had 63 songs on my Mp3, but some of them I just wasn't feeling it!)

Happy Trails,
A.

Molecular Gastronomy

2005-04-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

And I bet you're thinking what the hell is molecular gastronomy, right?! (A fine phrase I'm going to incorporate into my vocabulary) According to Yahoo! Oddly Enough today some chef named Blumenthal says it's an advanced technique to deliver unusual taste combinations. This restaurant in London, The Fat Duck, got high marks, Top 10 if you will, for one of the world's best restaurants. So, what's the prize dish you might ask? Not leg of lamb garnished with a side of succotash. Nope, not filet mignon with a cherry composte that marries well with cabernet sauvignon. Yes, it's sardine on toast sorbet! I'm vacationing in London this year and although I'm a huge fan of weird delicacies like peanut butter/banana/pickle sandwiches and salmon roe, thank God for the golden arches!

A.

And you thought you were too old for kickball

2005-04-14T20:13:00.000-07:00

Spring kickball is starting up again! If any of you get a wild hair, craving a cold beer, and want to see a better time than you had on the 3rd grade sandlot, then come out to Whites Creek on Thursday nights and cheer on the AU alums! It's a guaranteed good time!

Bueller. Bueller. Bueller

2005-04-13T18:16:00.000-07:00

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around every once in awhile you could miss it." Ferris Bueller said it best about living life to the fullest. Yesterday, I found out a good friend was diagnosed with MS. It's still hard to believe since just 3 days prior we were all getting our groove on to Prince and Justin Timberlake. It certainly gave me a greater appreciation for my family and friends and the world that they mean to me. So, whenever I'm sitting around my house moping and dwelling on things I can't control, people, make me get out and roll down the giant hill at the State Capital!
I am grateful for the recent blogging explosion that my friends and I have found ourselves taking advantage of. I think it's cool to see life's commentaries that my friends and I are posting in the middle of the day! It's quite fun reading what people are thinking about during the day, whether serious or not, and it usually spawns some sort of odd randomness! Anyways, ta ta for now!

A.

Wise college students once said.....

2005-04-06T19:18:00.000-07:00

Last week 3 friends and I met for our first creative writing group. We brought a sampling of our "works." I brought along witty and impressive quotes my college friends and I jotted down along our 4-6 year journey! Who knew we're so smart?!?! Enjoy!

"A man that does not ask does not have." --RHW

"I'm to that point, but I didn't say I was quitting!" --ABV

"If you can't hear the truth from friends, then who can you hear it from." --WM

"There are just as many bad apples in the church as there are good apples in the world." --AMR

"Life's problems are not easily solved; a better floor wax or deodorant
is not going to help." --ALL

"Fun leads to trouble and trouble leads to guilt!" --KEBS

KEB: "Kidney disease or a clear complexion?"
AMR: "Go for the clear complexion, I'll give you a kidney!"

"The moment you think no one's looking everyone's staring at you." --LEH

"If you are going to be forward, you have to be presumptuous!" --AMR

"It's easy to be independent when you have someone to catch you when you fall." --ALL

"Out of every bad experience comes a good learning experience." --KEB

Spring Fever!

2005-03-21T09:07:00.000-08:00

Spring is officially here! I love this time of year. It's not bone-chilling cold as winter and not sticky-humid as summer. Quite enjoyable is spring and, no doubt, it always makes me want to transfer my work to laptop and work under a tree at a local park! I'm looking forward to the Country Music 1/2 marathon, sharpening my guitar playing abilities, painting, traveling, a couple of Nashville symphony pops performances, and Memphis in May, just to name a few. Oh, how can I forget Mule Day! I'm bringing a few friends down this year so they can be a part of one of small town America's finer festivals! Here are some links to Spring events I'm looking forward to: www.muleday.com, www.cmmarathon.com, and www.memphisinmay.org.
Get out and play!

A.

Small Wonders

2005-03-11T08:09:00.000-08:00

So far, 2005 has brought forth 2 small joys. The first is my most precious baby niece who is 1 month old today. Happy birthday, Channing! She is so soft, squishy, and snuggly. The whole family is smitten!
The second small joy worth mentioning is baby Claire. My friends are on their way across the globe to get her as I type. Updates on their adventure are on www.sumnerkid.blogspot.com.
The recent baby boom has me delving into the reality that I someday might catch on to this child-rearing thing (scary thought, now!), although one key ingredient to this mix is the long sought after eligible bachelor! Guys, come closer! Seriously, I do think there are hidden mothering qualities in all us gals that conveniently materialize on an as needed basis! I'm looking forward to spoiling my niece rotten and learning all about those baby milestones!

A