Becknarr

Good Investment

2009-06-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

29.04.09 - Wednesday

I know you can’t really tell from this picture, but I’d just like to share an example of a good investment.

Today it rained. In fact, it was currently raining when I took this picture.

Today, a person decided to get their car washed.

As it was raining.

There’s $7.00 wisely invested.
I love people.

Huntsville’s Best Kept Secret

2009-06-19T13:03:00.000-07:00

25.04.09 - Saturday

I have a question for all you Huntsvillians… Have you been to the Huntsville Speedway yet? If no, um, WHY NOT!? If so, why haven’t you told me about this before now?!

Tonight, I became one step closer to experiencing all things red-neck & awesome within Alabama. The Huntsville Speedway is just… just… well… there are no words. This type of event can only truly be enjoyed by experiencing it first-hand. And when you do, you’ll see that boats can glide on land, you’ll witness cars that can fly, and you’ll learn what happens when you combine laundry detergent, water from a fire-hose and men on a mission. Not to mention all the delicious food, beverage & second-hand smoke you can handle!

So what are you waiting for!? Get down to the Huntsville Speedway!

Hallllllllllle Berrrrrrrrrrrry!

2009-06-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

18.04.09 - Saturday

Tonight was a night of discoveries. My friends & I discovered how to get onto A&M’s campus. We discovered free popcorn. We discovered what it’s like to feel horribly out of place, yet enjoy it all the same. We discovered that we are in need of a dance routine to bust out whenever music starts playing, in any place, at any time. (You know, Dirty Dancing style, only… not.) We discovered the song Halle Berry, and how it is possible to repeat someone’s name enough to get on your nerves. We discovered what the emcee of the night thought of us… “Ya'll beautiful black people, ya'll beautiful black people...” We discovered that “When we start dancin', what we do?, we hurt they feelins…”

Whoop Rico - Show Stoppas

Best of all, we discovered an amazing night filled with phenomenally talented dancers ranging from kids to college students and we discovered what it’s like to go deaf via a spectacular drumline. Well done A&M. Well done.

air

2009-06-10T14:58:00.001-07:00

16.04.09 - Thursday

You know what’s fun?

Putting air in your tires. For 75¢. Next to a busy intersection. At rush hour. With men honking their horns because they feel some unremitting longing to exclaim the deepest desires of their hearts & souls.

I’ll take it though. I’d rather end up three quarters poorer once a month with dirty hands than shell out a couple hundred bucks for some new rear tires to fix my “slow leak.” Thanks anyway Mr. Goodyear. Thanks anyway.

I Just Look Better With A Little Color.

2009-06-10T14:41:00.001-07:00

15.04.09 - Wednesday

Today, I walked away from the dermatologist missing some skin & gaining some peace of mind. As I entered the patient room, I was greeted by this wonderful picture.

Oh. My. Goodness.

(My favorite part is the kid’s expression.)

This, my dear friends, is why I lather myself in gooey sunscreen. Even though I help pay for my dermatologist’s Jaguar car payments & cruises to Monaco every time I visit, I leave knowing I will never look like this lady. When I get old, you will never feel an incessant need to rub me down with saddle oil.

Was It Worth It??

2009-06-09T05:38:00.001-07:00

14.04.09 - Tuesday

Was it worth it? Heck yeah.

How’d it happen? Gymnastics. :)

I’ve been taking an adult tumbling & trampoline class with my wonderful friends Winnie, Lauren & Kayla, and it has been so thrilling to be reminded of how much I loved the sport and how much I miss it, even almost 8 years since ending my 12 year gymnastics career.

Who doesn’t love flipping through the air, making your body twist in directions you never thought possible, and feeling like you belong on a Cirque du Soleil stage?? Even if it does mean sacrificing your normal, flesh-colored knees to the plastic trampolines that catapult you 10-20 feet into the air… I didn’t like them that pasty peach color anyway. A red/purple/blue color (formed in the shape of the tiny squares of the trampoline pattern) provides a much better pallete, don’t you think?

This could be us someday... :)

Cirque du Soleil at the 2002 Oscars

Travelers

2009-06-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

13.04.09 - Monday

Hobby Lobby & I are becoming fast friends. This is because it helps me love on my other friends. Such as Kristi.

Kristi & I have a special bond because we are traveling buddies.
Now, this fact in and of itself is nothing extraordinary. Even though we’ve visited such fantastic places as Ireland & France, that is not singular. The part that makes it exceptional is the fact that we’ve never actually left the country… together. But this does not stop us from taking a holiday and enjoying the local scene.

Who doesn’t enjoy a nice, hot beverage in Paris?? Or a cold pint in Dublin??

In honor of Kristi’s beautiful heart, I wanted to make her something to remember our journeys by…

I hope that whenever she sees this hanging on her wall, she reminisces on our passport-free voyages, gluten-free beverages, worry-free times & happy hour flowers. :)

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So, We Meet Again.

2009-06-08T13:36:00.001-07:00

12.04.09 - Sunday

Right. So, today, as I was sitting in my car waiting for Kayla to arrive home (because she likes to invite me over, and then not be there to let me inside…), I was paid a visit by an old acquaintance.

Hello Cow. So, we meet again.

I wonder where he was going... Perhaps a friendly, fair-weathered drive. Or on a visit to the art museum. Possibly to buy a new hat. If so, I’d go with something in blue.

Hal & Grønn

2009-06-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

09.04.09 - Thursday

Hal has made a friend & invited him home.

After researching (and by research, I mean I asked the PhD Physicist/Engineer/farmer in my office what the bug was, and within 2 words of my description, he already knew what it was…) I found out that it’s a Luna Moth. This means that while it’s a very pretty bright green, it’s also HUGE, and quite easily mistaken as a leaf.

I think I’ll name him Grønn. Mmm... Yes. Grønn. Very original... I know. :)

Let’s just hope Hal & Grønn don’t invite any more friends...

Roommate

2009-06-01T14:05:00.001-07:00

03.04.09 - Friday

I have a roommate. Well, maybe not really, considering roommates typically live in the same abode as you, and where, this guy, he lives outside my front door. You see, this little guy did have a short stint inside my apartment, but I couldn’t have that, so I caught him & threw him 20 feet outside my door. (1. I didn’t want to kill the poor thing & B. Roaches are big & killing it would mean smashing it, and that would involve a lot of sound effects, and I just couldn’t deal with that…)

Now, this little dude then managed to lay there for the next 4 days (in the exact same spot), where he then proceeded to magically make his way back to my front door. I mean, I know I’m cool, but come on, take a hint buddy.

black blob = roach friend

So, he’s been here for about a month. I’m thinking of charging him rent.

I've named him Hal, after the cockroach in Wall-E. Not after the evil computer in 2001: A Space Odyssey. That would be awkward.

I Want a Bratz Car!

2009-06-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

30.03.09 - Monday

Girl: Daddy, I want a Bratz car!
Dad: Alright sweetie.

Does this scenario sound familiar? Well, it would if it was a conversation between a father & his 8 year old daughter in the toy aisle of WalMart. But what ensues when it becomes a conversation between the car detailer & the misguided grown woman? This is what happens:

Maybe her boyfriend drives a Hummer with G.I. Joe painted on the side.

One can only hope.

Sidenote: Did you know they’re making a G.I. Joe movie?!?! I’m sure every 20-something man will be seeing it come August. I mean, what boy of the 80’s didn’t play with G.I. Joes!? And I just wanted to say thanks to all you brothers who didn’t let your younger sisters touch them, or play with them, because they didn’t make good enough sound effects. Yeah… I know who you are…

Cotton, Anyone?

2009-06-01T11:25:00.000-07:00

21.03.09 - Saturday

It is an obvious statement to say that whenever you go thrift store shopping, you are bound to find some interesting & unique wares. Most thrift stores are filled with clothing, used furniture, old appliances & more baby stuff than Babies Я Us carries. But today, one of my Young Life girls & I found something, were I not in the south, I would never believe to be available for purchase. I say this only because during most of the late months of fall, this can be picked up for, well, free.

Cotton, anyone?

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Foggy London Town.

2009-06-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

17.03.09 – Tuesday

Today started out in a creepy, fantastic way. I mean, who doesn’t love driving over a tiny, narrow bridge in a dense wall of fog? As I drove to work, praying to stay in my lane, and for other cars to stay in theirs, I had A Foggy Day (In London Town) playing in my head. Mmm… While Frankie, Ella & Louie hold special places in my heart, I must admit, I do adamantly love me some Michael Bublé.

I guess this weather fits the day, considering it is St. Patrick’s Day and all… So from London, we travel to Ireland. (Where, as some of you know, my husband is waiting for me…)

Over lunch, some co-workers & I headed downtown to watch the St. Patty's Day parade, and were thoroughly entertained by the likes of men in kilts, little old ladies marching with their walkers, street sweepers & bright green dogs. I'd say the parade was a success.

For the evening entertainment, our good friend Joel (a brilliant special-use product model), threw a huge dinner-party, filled with genuine Irish food & goodies, cooked lovingly by his family. We had our fill of corned beef & cabbage (so good!), ginger beer (quite… unique) & other wonderful Irish delicacies… And to finish the night off, we played an interesting game of Viking (Joel’s take on the game Mafia), where everyone ganged up on me & killed me off… TWO games in a row! As I said then, and I still stand by this statement, that there weren’t any women Vikings, so how could I be one?!?! But, alas, they did not accept my alibi, and I was ousted. I suppose it serves me right… Seeing as that my family is Norwegian, and no telling what cities my ancient relatives have pillaged & burned. Oh well, like great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandfather, like great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great granddaughter, right? :)

TMI!

2009-05-28T06:56:00.001-07:00

09.03.09 - Monday

Sometimes, when you have to sit in the doctor’s office for 45 minutes (I’m so sorry ma’am! We’ve just been quite backed-up today…), you can’t help but notice things you might otherwise have overlooked.

Yes, indeed, this is Too Much Information (which I’ll gladly share with you, my dear reader… haha.).

Seriously people! Give a girl a magazine or something to read if you’re gonna have me sitting in nothing but a paper gown for 45 minutes. Because the view I had was not helping to enhance today’s appointment in any way, shape, or… size.

Fore?

2009-05-28T06:44:00.001-07:00

06.03.09 - Friday

Driving down 565 today reminded me I really need to get out my clubs & head over to the driving range. I mean, I do have a ridiculously cute Puma golf bag that is begging to see the light of day, smell the greens of the course, and take a ride in a golf cart. Like one of these. Maybe I should follow this truck. He seems to be a man with a plan! And I mean, he’s got plenty of carts… I’m sure he wouldn’t mind giving me just one. :)

Rand Drives a Ford??

2009-05-27T14:46:00.000-07:00

05.03.09 - Thursday

FYI: I’m totally about to geek out in this post. Don’t worry about it.

I was driving home from work today, and while sitting at a light, I observed the license plate holder of the car ahead of me. Sometimes they say something funny, witty or they just blatantly advertise for the dealership from hence it was purchased. And sometimes, it is way too awesome to miss an opportunity to take an indistinguishable photo of it. Like today.

Now, seeing as that you most likely cannot read what the little plastic frame says, let me just tell you in short, it says something about Two Rivers.

This only means something to anyone if you’ve read (or, like me, are currently reading) the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.

Think of WoT (Wheel of Time) as the Lord of the Rings series on crack. And 4 times longer. And yet to be completed. And sans hobbits.

Thanks for the real-world cameo Rand.

Mmm… Rand.

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What I Need Is A Superhero - Care of Lauren Calvert

2009-05-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

27.02.09 - Friday

This is an email I got from my amazing friend Lauren in response to an email I sent her about the awesomeness of my horrid dreams... Oh Lauren, how I love thee...

"Wow.... That's super disturbing.

And that [He Who Shall Not Be Named] dream is pissing me off because I really hate hearing those are endlessly coming up.

The [Co-Worker] one was just pretty funny though.

You need to create a superhero in waking life and really think hard about him, a lot, and all the time. So he'll morph into your dreams and rescue you from this [He Who Shall Not Be Named]! OH OH maybe this super hero is at Sharp Top this weekend!!!!!!!!!!!

Just like these kids ...
( for your viewing pleasure )

Oh yeah. And the guy that you meet that's a potential husband-to-be I have some things to talk with him about and one of those will be proposal ideas. Such as this one -

haha- only because I still believe in fairy tales, I'd love this one!"

She seriously had me nearly crying from silent laughter in my office... :)

Chloe's Gonna Die!

2009-05-27T13:59:00.001-07:00

26.02.09 - Thursday

How’d you like the title of today's post? Intrigued? A bit offended? A bit… concerned?

Yes, well, when I first read these words, I nearly burst out laughing. Which wouldn’t have been so bad if I wasn’t standing right behind someone in the Publix check-out line. . . alone. . . and not on my cell phone.

Whoever came up with these absurd headlines should get a pay-raise. They definitely caught my attention.

It’s just too bad for Chloe. But don’t worry honey. You’ll probably come back in 6 months after a miraculous brain transplant, a phenomenal case of mistaken identity or as part of a fantastic mob plot.

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A Closer Look.

2009-05-27T13:42:00.001-07:00

25.02.09 - Wednesday

Please examine this ring.

Please examine my face.

Need a closer look?

Note to Self: Don’t rest your face on your right hand while sleeping.

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Fire Cookie!

2009-05-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

24.02.09 - Tuesday

Once upon a time there were two lovely ladies. These two lovely ladies went to see a showing of “Harry Potter & something or another” (I mean, who can honestly remember which one of the many installations we witnessed that night!? But that detail is unimportant, and I digress...) at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. Before the showing of such a fantastic film (the one I can’t remember…) there was a, well, I’m not sure talented is the right world, but in general, a live band playing to entertain the lovely ladies until the sun set & they could enjoy our outdoor movie.

This band began playing a song and repeating incomprehensible lyrics, resulting in the two lovely ladies hearing the following words over & over: “Fire Cookie! Fire Cookie!” Ummm… What?? Turns out, the man was saying “fire cooking under me” or some such nonsense, but by the time the lovely ladies figured this out, they were already quite attached to the phrase “Fire Cookie” and thus, created matching nick-names for each other. So, this post is dedicated to none other than my Fire Cookie.

Now, Fire Cookie, otherwise known as Lauren Duker, just recently moved into a long awaited perfect home with her beau, and on such an occasion, I decided her walls needed some Becky love. This is the final product of such love for her & her walls.

Needless to say, she loved it. ;)

The best part about all of this? The trip to the post office. Please gander at this man standing in the exhaustingly long line in front of me. Yes, he is indeed balancing his package on his head while his hands busily complete some other task, keeping him from actually holding his mail. Hats off, or shall I say, envelopes off, to you sir.

You've Got Mail.

2009-05-26T12:03:00.001-07:00

23.02.09 - Monday

Good morning inbox.
Good morning facebook.
I see Joel & Tyler send their love...

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Crack Cream? No Thanks, I'm Good. . .

2009-05-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

22.02.09 - Sunday

Who doesn’t love a lazy Sunday afternoon? Well, I know I do, but this wasn’t one of those days. . . Only because it was filled with geocaching adventures, hilarious merchandise discoveries & edible grass.

Now, to begin our story, let me share my new addiction to geocaching. Geocaching = treasure hunting = stupendous! Intrigued? You should be!
Well, today our geocache selections took us to the Five Points area in Huntsville, which also took us to Star Market.

Now, Star Market is a very small, very expensive grocery store that sells many a unique ware. Such as. . .

Yes. Crack Cream & Butt Paste. A much needed addition to your medicine cabinet, to be sure. . .

After deciding no one in our group was in need of these distinctive items, we meandered over, around, on, atop, across, upon, along, between, among & near some railroad tracks and found our way to The Lumberyard. If you’re looking for a swing made out of tarp, an old, 3-legged bathtub, or a Grateful Dead mega-scale, well, you’ve come to the right place. . .

At the end of such a long, eventful afternoon, it is necessary to stop in to Garden Cove Produce Center to pick up some green, nutritious. . . grass. Yup, it’s in the cheese section. And it’s on sale! Hurry in!

February 22, you made my day.

Free & Fun!

2009-05-21T09:01:00.001-07:00

I heart Grosgrain. I also heart the fact that she gives away free stuff. Like this stuff:

Pincushion Ring

Brass Hussy

Kline Necklace

Milk Weed Skirt

Loose Teeth Sundress

Blueberry Pie Frock

And, um, this totally made my day:

"You've probably heard 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away.'
New research suggests a plump apple bottom might do the same."

Meet Allen.

2009-05-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

21.02.09 - Saturday

I would like everyone to meet Allen.

He’s a retired greyhound racing dog. And he’s absurdly tall. And he’s absurdly friendly.

Lauren & I met Allen at the Huntsville Dog Park this weekend when we took Rigley to get some social interaction. Too bad Rigley is completely indifferent to other dogs, and rather than playing with them in the park, he made friends with all the other people there. Oh Rigley.

But Allen. Oh Allen. Allen has a special talent. He has a talent to find idle hands & find a use for them. Such as using them to pet him. And since he’s so freakishly tall, he could walk right up to you, lean against your leg & your hand would be at the perfect level to pat his side while it hung there unused.
Another trick of Allen’s was to squeeze in-between people. And, well, there wasn’t actually much squeezing, because the dog’s so skinny, that even when Lauren & I were standing barely a foot apart, he would just meander on up and amble in-between us in order to position himself just so by leaning against one of our legs & silently demand a good rub down.

Smart dog that Allen. Smart dog.

What Did YOU Accomplish Before 8:30 am This Morning??

2009-05-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

20.02.09 - Friday

Alright folks,
This Friday morning was unlike any normal, welcomed Friday morning. In as such, I would like to share my Friday, the 20th of February morning with you all, since, well, in my opinion, it couldn't get any weirder. Alright. Here goes...

6:30 - 7:15 - All is well. Normal waking up rituals.

7:15 - 7:25 - Walk Rigley (the dog I'm dog-sitting...) Meanwhile, get to the end of the street and see something on a neighbor's back balcony. Um. What?? Yup. A Bovinae of sorts...

Indeed, a cow.

7:45 - 7:50 - Start drive to work. Realize I need gas. I know there are gas stations on Governor's Blvd. "Let's go there!" I think...

7:52 - Pull into gas station next to something that resembled this:

What's up playa!?

7:53 - Start pumping gas. Get the head-to-toe look-over from "friendly" gentleman walking out of gas station. Begin to realize maybe this wasn't the best idea... I start praying vehemently to my friend Jesus.

7:54 - A couple different cars have pulled up next to different pumps. But they are not actually pumping any gas... Continue praying...

7:55 - Giant Chevy Suburban rolls in blasting something incoherent due to enormous amounts of bass & indistinguishable curse words & terribly inappropriate phrases. Don't worry though. This guy was sporting a Tweety Bird air freshener.

Totally gangsta.

7:55.3 - Large man steps out of still-running Suburban with smoke streaming after him... "Smoking cigarettes at a gas station? Not a very smart man..." I think to myself... Oh. Wait. That's not cigarette smoke..........

7:55.6 - Woman from next car over, pulling off the mullet with bleached streak hair-do & bedroom slippers, jumps into the passenger side of still-running Suburban, looks very inconspicuous while inhaling & exhaling some indiscernible smoke-like substance until the driver of said Suburban returns to the driver seat, when she then exits. Continue to pray for forgiveness for my stupidity in gas station choices...

Something similar to this lovely woman's "do."

7:57 - Woman from a second car wearing a body too big for her clothes runs up to the Suburban's passenger side window, which proceeds to roll down. Mumbles something I gladly couldn't hear. Apparently does not get the response she desired from Suburban man. Stalks away upset. I start thinking this gas pump doesn't work, because it seems to be taking forever to fill my tank...

7:58 - 7:59 - Finally done pumping gas. Do everything in my power not to run around to my driver's side door. Big Suburban starts to pull towards me as I walk around. I continue with ardent prayer. Man then backs his car up to shout "Cry Baby! Cry Baby!" to woman with ill-fitting clothing. I jump in my car & pull away onto the road next to a safe little blue Toyota Prius.

7:59 - 8:03 - Thank God for keeping me alive. Ask for forgiveness for my ineptitude in choosing gas stations.

8:04 - Change lanes on I-565. See postcard-sized piece of something flying towards my car in the corner of my eye as I'm changing lanes. Postcard-sized piece of something turns out to be thick chunk of wood. Wood hits my windshield at something around 75 mph, accomplishing three things at once.

1. Scaring the bejeezes out of me.
2. Cracking my windshield.
3. Giving me the chance to thank God for such a challenging morning in order for me to truly appreciate my Friday all that much more...

8:07 - Somehow manage to make it to work in one piece.

8:08 - Walk in and immediately start sharing my morning adventure with my area-mate Tom, who drops his jaw & asks, "Why on EARTH would you get gas on Governor's Blvd??"
I say, "Because I thought it would be fine at 8am in the morning."
"Becky, Becky, Becky... Governor's Blvd is not an acceptable place to stop at ANY time of the day. Well, I'm just glad you didn't get shot or propositioned."
Thanks for the concern Tom.

So... How does this compare to YOUR morning???

Bee Spit

2009-05-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

17.02.09 - Tuesday

Today, I would merely like to share my love for bee spit, better known as honey.

This along with my love for using it as a sweetener, a cooking agent, a sore throat soother, and more often than not, a snack. Yup. I eat this delicious bee byproduct by the spoonfuls. This, I believe, is not primarily triggered by the deliciousness of the honey in itself, but by the container I have chosen to store it in & the serving utensil that has been bestowed upon me to use in order to retrieve the sweet nectar.

You see, when you live in Colorado, you tend to collect particular treasures from the oddities of the places & people constantly surrounding you, such as, the oddities that come from a wonderful, magical land known as Boulder. Boulder is not only the home to the University of Colorado, year-round, bare-foot hippies, an astonishing amount of an astonishing array of “herbs,” giant wind turbines & brilliant restaurants who serve 99¢ Bloody Marys during the weekends, but also a marvelous company known as Celestial Seasonings. Mmmm…. tea…

Now, to tie this little tangent into my honey obsession, it is fairly well known that people enjoy the golden liquid with their teas in order to sweeten the otherwise slightly bitter or bland beverages. Sometimes little, plastic containers in the shapes of bears & beehives decorate tea trays, spice cabinets & office kitchens, but myself, I prefer to store my honey in an old jar obtained from my grandparents. While having a solid, glass container prevents me from squeezing the delightful honey into my teas, this is not a concern to me, because I have a splendid utensil to help me retrieve my sweet nectar. It is a special, beautiful honey spoon. You just use this baby to scoop out some honey & then park it right there on side of your steaming cup of brewed magnificence to let it slowly flow into the hot liquid. Well, either that, or bypass the cup entirely & obtain immediate satisfaction by directing that spoon directly into your mouth, such as I do.

Alright, well, there you have it.

I love honey.

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Singles Awareness Day.

2009-04-21T13:09:00.001-07:00

14.02.09 - Saturday

In honor of this great American holiday, Singles Awareness Day, my friends & I decided to have a dinner to celebrate our singleness! This holiday is sometimes overlooked when everyone else concentrates so much on that silly holiday that shares the same date… what’s it called? Oh, right. Valentine’s Day. That day where men & women spend copious amounts of money on candy, flowers, frilly cards, and sometimes even jewelry in order to try & convince the love of their life that they LUUUUUUUUUUV them. Really? Really…?

Right, so, overriding that flimsy, Hallmark-driven holiday, we have Singles Awareness Day. And as I have many single friends (and many lovely non-single friends as well!), we decided to have a bit of a party to celebrate our one-ness in ourselves, but together-ness in each other, by eating yummy food & making up our own desserts when original plans fall through. :) (Hello vanilla ice cream, homemade whipped cream & cocoa powder!)

I am quite thankful for these awesome friends I have. (Even Nate.)

I love my life.

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Pippi Longstocking-esque.

2009-04-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

07.02.09 - Saturday

After a night of friends, marriage, dancing & champagne, one needs to revitalize oneself with a good, hearty breakfast. Where better to have such a meal than at Burnt Toast in Boulder, Colorado? They have the. best. biscuits. I have ever had the pleasure of putting in my mouth. Seriously. Have one of those (honest, you’ll only need one… it’s the size of a softball) with the Green Eggs & Ham and a teapot of some of the smoothest Earl Gray tea ever to wash over your taste buds, and you’ll be floating on cloud nine.

Maybe that’s how those feet/footprints/weird foot like things got up there. Either that, or Pippi Longstocking has been visiting and walking on walls again.

32 Cases of Champagne?!?

2009-04-21T09:56:00.000-07:00

06.02.09 - Friday

Yes. That’s right. 32 cases of champagne. Or well, at least a number similar to 32. Could be more. Could be less (though I doubt it…).

This is a piece of knowledge my friends Stephanie, Lisa, Kim & I discovered this weekend at our sorority sister Adrienne’s wedding in Colorado. 32 cases of Verdi Sparkling Italian. And under command of the groom himself, it was our job to help nullify the existence of said Verdi. So, under such obligation, and in the hands of the oh-so-gorgeous bartender, we did our part to clear the bar of those pesky bottles. You’re welcome bride & groom. You’re welcome.

One of the highlights of the night (outside of Adrienne’s marriage)? With a little Verdi courage, and the persistence of those whom for some reason I call “friends,” I ended up dancing with a very cute, very young, ginger man. Hello, my name is Becky. I’m a cougar. But it’s okay. He’s in a band.

All in all, it must be said, Pi Phis always have more fun.

:)

Christmas in February!

2009-04-21T08:16:00.001-07:00

03.02.09 - Tuesday

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I LOVE packages! Well, more specifically, I love getting presents, and come on, let’s be honest, I’m not alone in this…

Most of my favorite packages come with the return address labeled “Kim James.” From CDs to funny pajamas, it’s always a treat seeing her name in that upper left hand corner of a box.

Now, I knew this box was in the works, and would eventually result in a note on my door stating “You have a package at the Club House.” (You know… the Club House that I passed in my car on the way in, all the way on the opposite side of my complex, where carrying big boxes from there to my apartment makes for an enjoyable scene for those lucky enough to witness my trek… Yeah, that Club House.) But while I knew it was in existence, I wasn’t sure when it would arrive, and much less, what it would contain. You see, this box was to hold all things Birthday & Christmas. Which was… what? 1.5 months ago? Yup, Kim & I are awesome. :D

So, needless to say, I was surprised & excited when I got my “Club House” note today. And well, the surprise didn’t end at merely receiving the box, because you see, as I opened it, I was immediately attacked by what Kim likes to describe as such:

Yes. Tons & tons of glitter. All over everything. And not big pieces of glitter either. Teeny, tiny, microscopic pieces of shimmering glitter. (Don’t get me wrong… I LOVE glitter. Just maybe not all over my hands, table, carpet, etc. :) Now, I couldn’t tell if this was on purpose or what, so I merely shrugged my shoulders & proceeded to dive into the box’s contents, which included the following:

A bottle of Pepsi
Potato candy (uh, yum?)
Gummi lobsters
Chocolate covered Maine blueberries
A chocolate Wicked Whoopie (YUM! Just don’t even think about looking at the caloric content of one of these… Life’s just better sometimes when you are ignorant.)
A box of Nerds
A dog shaped stapler
A mouth harp
A lego desk calendar
Sunflower seed butter from Trader Joe’s
Mango raspberry Jam, Fig Jam, & Pumpkin Butter from a homemade seller at the amazing Hillcrest Farmers Market
And last, but definitely not least, a broken container of Twilight’s Edward Cullen body glitter. (ah… a moment of enlightenment.)

One of the best packages EVER. Now if only she could have included some taro frozen yogurt with mochi & mangos from Yog-art… But I guess I’ll just have to settle with actually going out to San Diego to get that. Woe is me… :)

A Little Healthy Competition

2009-04-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

I'm going to make something like this one day... But for now, I'll just settle for trying to win it instead.

:)

Parthenonononon...

2009-04-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

31.01.09 - Saturday

Um. These past two days have probably been some of the best days of my life. No joke. “But why Becky?” you might ask… Well, let me tell you.

You see, it all started with Becky finally finding a car for purchase to replace her poor little ol’ Saturn. But the thing was, the car was in Nashville. What did this mean!? Road trip!

So, what started out as Becky, Eric, Joel & Clark, soon grew into Becky, Eric, Joel, Clark, Kayla, Lauren & Jane. We officially had a party. Well, we loaded up into two cars and hit the road for Nashvegas!!

On the way up, we experienced in-car dance parties (complete with strobe lights!), “It’s like, you know?!,” and having our love locked down.

Kanye West - New Music - More Music Videos

An amazing car ride to say the least.

We ate dinner at Bosco’s (yum! Get the beer sampler! It’s like Christmas… But available year round… :) and then ventured down to “The Strip.” Fun times all around.

After spending the night at Clark’s uncle’s house (including such events as sweatshirt hunts, MySpace pictures, & general craziness) we proceeded to Fido’s for breakfast where I was to meet my new car. So exciting!

Now, Becky has her new wheels (yay 2000 5 speed Volkswagon Passat Wagon in British Racing Green!) and we’re off for some fun in the sun! Where to? The Parthenon of course! (Or is it the “Parthenonononononon…”?? Hmm… Joel?) But not in Greece silly… Right there in the middle of good ol’ Nashville! (Seriously though, really cool place. Check it.)

Nothing’s better than spending a sunny afternoon with good friends in good places. Unless you’re all models. Which then makes it glorious.

And it must be said. None of this would have been made possible without the magnificent LC.

Nashville + sharing beds + sunshine swing sessions = Instant BFF!

And, for your viewing pleasure.

You’re welcome.

.

Pumpkin Eaters Never Prosper

2009-04-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

28.01.09 - Wednesday

What are those sayings? Cheaters Never Prosper? Cheater, Cheater, Pumpkin Eater? Hmmm… Well, CLARK, this post, is for you.

You see, all we wanted was a fun night of games. Specifically, a fun night of geocaching, but that plan was thwarted when we didn’t have a GPS unit to guide us… So instead, we played UNO. Clark, Eric, Brittany & I were down for some good, clean fun. Well, no, let me rephrase that… Eric, Brittany & I were down for some good, clean fun. While Clark cheated.

SCENE:
Brittany, Clark & Eric sitting around my table. I’m sitting on the floor. (I only have 3 chairs in my apartment. I keep meaning to get one more… meh.) Cards are dealt. Turns are played. Eric begins to accumulate quite the collection of UNO cards. Poor Eric. Clark is constantly down to one card… Lucky Clark. Picture of funny circumstances is taken. Play continues. Eric’s looking to invest in this game… Becky looks down under the table for some reason… Um. UM?!

BECKY
Are those extra cards on the floor?

BRITTANY & ERIC
Huh?

BECKY
There are some UNO cards on the floor. Did they fall down or something?

CLARK
[stifles a laugh]
Uhhh?

BECKY
Clark! Are those your cards?!

CLARK
[bursts out laughing]
Hahahaha! I’ve been cheating for like the entire game! If I won, I swear I was going to tell you guys…

Play continues… with side glances & regular checks for the floor surrounding Clark’s chair. And who won the game? Eric. The man with ¾ of the deck in his hand.

See Clark? Cheaters never prosper. Though, I guess they don’t really eat pumpkins either. Instead, you ate my delicious chocolate cupcakes fresh out the oven.

END SCENE.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

2009-04-17T09:33:00.000-07:00

27.01.09 - Tuesday

I received a fun little surprise today as I went to get my mail.

A big (okay, funny little interruption of a story – as I was just attempting to type “big” I accidentally typed in “bug.” Thanks for the help fingers!), fuzzy caterpillar greeted me this afternoon!

I L.O.V.E. caterpillars! I’m terrified to touch them (don’t ask me why… I can hold snakes, spiders, worms, etc., but am not about to hold a caterpillar…), but this does not inhibit my love for the funny, fuzzy, scrunchy creatures that evolve into beautiful butterflies! I believe this infatuation with them began at an early age… via The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I mean, come on. That book has more colors in it than a kaleidoscope, thus catching every 3-5 year-old’s attention for at least the 10 minutes required to really read the book (if you include the time it takes to point at the pictures, read each word slowly & deliberately, using your very prestigious story-telling voice, and letting the kids flip back & forth at least 5 times per page…). Plus, there’s the ultimate ending… Of transforming into a butterfly! Who doesn’t remember the kindergarten experiments of watching caterpillars create a cocoon & then being re-born as a monarch?? I swore that day I wanted to become a certified butterfly-catcher when I grew up… maybe work at the Pismo Beach Monarch Grove.

Well, I still haven’t grown up… There’s still time for that. :)

The Cliffs of Insanity!

2009-04-16T13:52:00.001-07:00

25.01.09 - Sunday

Today I came across something I like to describe as “inconceivable!” I was merely taking my nice sea-foam green beach cruiser out for a spin, avoiding the R.O.U.S.es in the back-country of the Indian Creek Greenway, when I came across a preposterous sight.

This wall. Better known as, “The Cliffs of Insanity!” Or, well, maybe to an ant anyway.

This wall was merely hanging out in the middle of a field along Old Madison Pike. All by itself. With no other walls to join it. Maybe the other 3 sides were taken to the Pit of Despair. Or had an unfortunate encounter with the Brute Squad. Or, worst of all, Dread Pirate Roberts threatened to kill them in the morning, so they ran away.

Whatever the story, I was “concerned” for the lonely wall. I wasn’t nervous, just a bit concerned.

Anybody want a peanut?

.

Kids Seats Just Five Bucks!

2009-03-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

24.01.09 - Saturday

I am officially on my way to participating in all things ‘Country’ and ‘Southern’ while living here in the south.

What did I get to check off my list tonight?? Going to a Monster Truck Jam!!

Yup. You better believe it. (Just don’t forget your earplugs!)

We even got to go down and walk amongst the trucks, BMXers, and loads of people sporting their best “night on the town” outfits. (Carhartt s, camo, trucker hats and Confederate flags galore!) What a glorious way to spend a Saturday evening!

I, myself, tried to fit in with the crowd, sporting my own trucker hat, ripped jeans, and carrying my belongings in a Piggly Wiggly bag. Makes me look right at home whilst I sit inside this giant monster truck tire, right!?

What sort of displays of ‘country’ gallantry did we get to witness??

Monster Trucks smashing puny little cars.

Exploding transmissions! (See the smoke? Whoops…)

FLIPPING & flying motocross bikes! (That was legitimately cool…)

It’s just too bad we didn’t go on SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY!

.

Summer of 69 Thrift Store Refashion Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-20T07:00:00.000-07:00

Definitely going to be my new hobby... And I'll finally start using my grandmother's old sewing machine! Thrift Store Refashioning!

Summer of 69 Thrift Store Refashion Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Jedi or Pirate, hmm? How About Both, hmm!?

2009-03-19T09:51:00.001-07:00

23.01.09 - Friday

What’s better than a Jedi?? How about a Pirate Jedi!?

Now all Yoda needs is a Tall Ship! Like this one!

I came across this photo today taken by my friend John Vandervalk. Check him out!

I have a thing for Jedi, pirates & tall ships. Don’t worry about it.

.

If Heaven Were A Giant Cookie…

2009-03-19T09:21:00.000-07:00

20.01.09 - Tuesday

Oh. My. Goodness.

Seriously folks. If heaven were a giant cookie… It’d be a cookie from the Levain Bakery in New York City.

Oh. My. Goodness.

So, this weekend I had another Couch Surfer hanging out. He’s a student at Julliard as a timpani player. (Yup, definitely didn’t know what that was until this weekend!) He was auditioning for a spot with the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra and needed a place to stay, so I welcomed him into my tiny abode. And who knew there were perks with Couch Surfing??

Like, when people bring you the best cookies ever created in the history of cookies… I mean, first of all, these things were ginormous!! (I’ve illustrated this in the picture with the comparison to the size of a penny.) Second of all, these things created a rhapsody of sorts in my mouth. I mean, I’m serious. So delicious! Mr. Couch Surfer brought me a Dark Chocolate Chocolate Chip cookie and an Oatmeal Raisin cookie. And they lasted me the entire week.

And the best part?? You can order them online!! Mind you, it’ll cost you $30+ for just 4 cookies, but so seriously worth it. Unless, that is, you just happen to be in New York City, and then you could drop on in. But if you are, I don’t want to hear it. ‘Cause I’d be totally jealous. Although, you could always pick me up one or two. Then I’d be your best friend.

Muntedkowhai%Necklace GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-18T10:21:00.000-07:00

Oh... to be FREE!

Muntedkowhai%Necklace GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

Paper Crane Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

Mmm... Everybody loves a winner!

Paper Crane Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Baggu Grosgrain Guest GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-03-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

Um... Who doesn't love free stuff??

Baggu Grosgrain Guest GIVEAWAY!!!!

Who Invited This Guy?

2009-03-18T07:35:00.001-07:00

19.01.09 - Monday

My boss invited our whole office to go out to lunch today… on him! (Mind you, there are only 12 of us in the entire office…) So when this happens, you can’t say no! That would be stupid. And we all know I, at least, am not stupid.

So, I jumped into an available car & got excited to experience Tim’s Cajun Kitchen for the very first time, after months & months of hearing about how “marvelous” it was. I knew this was not going to be a waste of my lunch time when only after 2 minutes of driving, we came across a wonderfully random sight. I looked out my window, and to my surprise, I saw this shovel. Just hanging out. Nobody around it. Obviously not being used for anything. Free shovel anyone??

Right, so we arrived to Tim’s and I was pretty stoked about this free meal I was about to devour. I sat down, unrolled my napkin from around my silverware, took a sip of my ice water with lime, and looked up to see this guy enjoying his meal in front of me.

Um, hey there! Aren’t you a cutie!?

Needless to say, I enjoyed my first adventure with Huntsvegas Cajun food. Regardless of the inanimate exhibitions of gluttony surrounding me. :)

Uh, Yes. It IS a Big Fan.

2009-03-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

18.01.09 - Sunday

I recently decided I wanted to do some new-church-shopping this month. First church – Church in a Brewery. Or, better known as Sojourn of Huntsville. They meet in the Old Towne Brewery here in Huntsvegas. Yes, it is true.

I really enjoyed today’s service for a multitude of reasons, and one of them being this fan.

Now, you’re probably thinking, “That’s a Big Ass Fan!” Well, you’d be correct in exclaiming that. Because that’s precisely what it is. Or, well, that’s the name of the company that made it anyway.

Oh, what a lovely Sunday day.

That’s What Friends Are For.

2009-03-17T11:03:00.001-07:00

13.01.09 - Tuesday

For Day Two of my return to the real world, I decided I should clean out my Outlook inbox, since there are about a bajillion emails in it. And during my purging of spam mail & 80-message-long emails, I found this gem.

But before you look at it, let me set the story up for you.

I am an active participant in Couch Surfing. I think it is so incredible and such an amazing way to meet new people and really connect with different cultures. Oh, and it’s free.

Now, I recently had some freakin’ sweet peeps from Sweden stay with me for a night. They were taking a tour of the South (one girl, Lena, is in love with Dolly Parton! They even went to Dollywood… I love it! :), and Huntsville was one of their stops along the way from Nashville to New Orleans. We had a great time & I’m so glad I was able to meet them, even if only for a night.

Right, so all my friends knew I was doing this, and many of them were quite curious about what all goes down with Couch Surfing. Curious enough to email me one day out of the blue and ask me to do an interview for the news station they work for… That very day. Um… Excuse me, what?? Well, obviously, yes, I’d love to help you out, but uhhh… As in this current day ‘Today??’ In like 2 hours?? At my apartment?! The apartment that doesn’t have the characters from Beauty & the Beast living in it to clean itself while I’m gone?? Oh geez…

Well, I obviously agreed to do the interview, but in the process, freaked out a bit over email exchanges with KimJim. Oh, and there was a weird time of not knowing if the interview would actually take place that afternoon or not… So, this is a spectacular email Kim wrote me. I was nearly crying from laughter, so I thought I’d share it with you too.

Best to read it from the bottom up, in true email chain fashion.

Oh, and the result from this crazy day?? A sweet story care of my friends Becky & Ellis.

Wait... I Went to School Where?

2009-03-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

11.01.09 - Sunday

Today was a sad day. Today was the day I had to leave Colorado after my 2.5 week vacation. (I know, I know. My job rules. 2.5 weeks of vacation!? You better believe it.)

Today was a happy day. Today was the day I got to return to Alabama and return to my wonderful Alabama friends.

Today was a day of learning. Today was a day of learning that things change. Things such as your college’s whole look & advertising scheme??

As I was walking through DIA, I was literally stopped in my tracks. By this.

Now, I know you can’t really see it, but let me tell you what it says.
“Understanding the earth. Harnessing energy. Sustaining the environment.
Colorado School of Mines
Engineering the way.”

Right. I was completely unaware during my 4.5 years in Golden, Colorado, that we were so… Green. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am 100% for saving the whales, rainforest, tatas, last dance, etc. But really? Is CSM steering towards becoming a university dedicated solely to sustainability? Did they forget that about ½ of their donations come from ginormo oil companies and graduates from the petroleum department?? Or that we’re called the Colorado School of Mines? Hmmm… Good thing I went there in order to someday become a roller coaster engineer.

And the weirdest part about this picture? We evidently have a new school logo. Um. What? Are they even allowed to do that? I guess I’m just a bit partial to our old one.

I wonder what all those dead ol’ gold miners would think about CSM’s new “change.” I’m not necessarily against what they’re doing. I guess I was just thrown a bit off guard when I was assaulted by this giant, screaming, illuminated sign in the Denver Airport.

Too MUCH Snow? No Such Thing!

2009-03-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

07.01.09 - Wednesday

Today’s Mission: Snowboard at Copper Mountain.

Mission: Completed.
Although, not gonna lie, I was a little worried at the beginning of the day… Because we got to sit in some wonderful traffic for about an hour. The worst part about it? Copper Mountain was a mere 5280 feet away from where our car was sitting at a stand still. Yes. One mile. I was so incredibly tempted to get out & start walking.

Turned out I-70 was closed from the Copper exit onwards due to inclement weather. Sucks for all you Vail skiers! Bwahaha.

The good side of all this snow?? The POWDER! Woo!

Seriously. The most powder I’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying in my life. (Thanks so much Global Warming!) It made for some amazingly soft landings when one wiped out. Although, come on, like I EVER fall… But for the ONE time I did today, it was the most comfortable and splendid ‘trip’ downhill I’ve ever experienced.

Such a great day. Especially since I was spending it with my padre & little bro-ha!

This is my "Oh my goodness! There's SO much snow!" face. Ha.

This must be what it feels like to live in a snow globe. :)

.

No Place Like Home

2009-03-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

24.12.08 - Wednesday

Two important things happened today.

1. I got to go home to Colorado Springs!!

See that mound? That’s Pikes Peak!!

So exciting… Along with the snow capped mountains seen in the distance beyond Denver. Brings a smile to my face every time. :)

.

2. My Golden Birthday!!

Yes, my birthday is on Christmas Eve.
No, it does not suck.
No, I do not get jipped on presents.
Yes, I’m sorry you feel this incessant need to try to quantify your own awesomeness with having a July birthday by saying, “Gee whiz, I sure do feel sorry for you!”
Um. Thank you. The kind sentiments are very much appreciated.

But on a much more spectacular note, this birthday was extra special, because it was in fact, my golden birthday! I turned 24 on the 24th. Goodness. I’m getting old. :)
So, everything today was gold! My cake, the wrapping paper on my presents, and the presents themselves!

Not enough gold? Okay, we'll include the evening activities… at The Golden Bee! One of my favorite places in Colorado Springs fo’ sho’.
A true-blue English pub shipped from England? Check.
Piano man? Check.
Yards & half-yards of beer? Check. (Especially when enjoyed with one's family, like my older bro-ha.)

Waiters & waitresses throwing little bee stickers at you at random times during the night? Check.

I ended up with quite the little army of bees… Including a bee with a birthday cake & party hat!

Gratulerer med dagen til meg!

.

Young Life = Chacos = Jesus

2009-03-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

23.12.08 - Tuesday

No WONDER Young Lifers love Chacos!! Because Jesus wore them first!

Hmm… Just Another Fine Example…

2009-03-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

22.12.08 - Monday

I seriously must have missed the memo on the requirements for vehicles driven around Huntsville, AL.

I was merely walking out of Ross this evening (after buying an amazing silk-like mu-mu found in the “One Size Fits Most” section of the store, that will be turned into a dress! Hey there $8! :) when I nearly let this car go by without my ever-loving inspection. Maybe because it was camouflage! Tricky tricky.

But really? How much would something like this cost? Probably enough for me to go back into Ross & buy 150 sweet mu-mus.

Like I’ve said before, and I’m sure I’ll say again. “Oh, Alabama.”

Excuse Me Sir, But I Think Your Beard Is Broken.

2009-03-02T14:52:00.000-08:00

21.12.08 - Sunday

So, in keeping up with the Christmas spirit, my good friends Ashley & Jason invited me to my 2nd Huntsville, AL Christmas tradition. The Boar’s Head & Yule Log Festival. Yup. That’s right.

This “festival” is held at Huntsville’s First United Methodist Church, located downtown, and stars such a cast as you couldn’t believe. Including, yes, a boar’s head.

You can sort of see the beautiful costumes utilized in this production in this picture. And if you can see that, then you can’t miss the giant beard protruding from one of the Wise Men’s face. The best part about the beard? The whole thing moved whenever the man talked. Not to mention it looked like a ratty steel scrub brush.

Oh Christmas. How I love thee.

I’m Sorry, But That Just Sounds Gross.

2009-02-25T13:39:00.000-08:00

17.12.08 - Wednesday

Tonight I was invited by some good friends to go watch the Sanders Family Christmas musical up at the Burritt on the Mountain. I am really glad I attended for multiple reasons.

1. I’ve never been to Burritt, much less have I ever been to Burritt when there was a cloud literally sitting on it, giving it this amazing scary aura.
2. The musical was quite witty. The humor had such a broad range that it kept pretty much everyone laughing. All I can say is the sign in ASL for ‘born’ is definitely not one gesturing a baby dropping out of their womb with great vigor…
3. Their gift shop had many chintzy, ugly, weird, completely useless & gross items for sale. Such as this beauty:

Um. Yuck. I think I’ll go for the real thing thanks. I mean, how are you even supposed to eat this?! I cannot imagine what that would taste like with jelly. Yuck yuck yuck.

Oh, but it gets worse.

Yuck. Yuck. Yuck. Yuck.

Word of the Day: Yuck.

And on an un-gross note. I thought this was funny. Only because my dad's name is Alan & my younger brother's name is Zach. It made me smile. :)

C’mon Guys… Just Smile!

2009-02-25T12:49:00.001-08:00

13.12.08 - Saturday

Why is it so difficult to get certain people to smile in pictures!? Are you allergic to fun!? All I wanted was for you two boys, Clark & Eric, to smile in our happy family Christmas photo. But nooooo… You like to be difficult.

This was the best I could do. At least Clark is almost smiling… Just give in Clark… I believe in you…

It’s alright though. I’m smiling enough for the both of them. CHEESE!

1. What IS this thing!? 2. Merry Christmas!

2009-02-25T09:30:00.001-08:00

12.12.08 - Friday

The Indian Creek Greenway near my apartment never ceases to provide entertainment for me… (Particularly now since it has drained from the recent flood!)
This most recent adventure (on my sweet beach cruiser!) afforded a couple scratches of the head.

Scratch #1.

Umm… What IS this thing!? I have no idea… All I know is they’re all over the trail. They’re about the size of a softball, and I’m honestly afraid to even nudge it with the toe of my shoe… So, if anyone has any insight, feel free to educate me!

Scratch #2.

I love it when people spread their holiday cheer. Merry Christmas Charlie Brown! :)

Puff the Magic… Jacket?

2009-02-25T08:54:00.000-08:00

11.12.08 - Thursday

It must be said… I have a bit of a problem. And they say admitting a problem is always the first step to overcoming it. So… here goes.

I am addicted to steepandcheap.com & whiskeymilitia.com. I just can’t help myself!

And today’s blog post will help prove why I have a tendency to covet the products those marketing geniuses push in my face at least 5 times an hour…

Just read the description at the bottom of the picture. You’ll understand why.

I’m not even a man & I want this jacket… It might also have something to do with my affinity for Puff the Magic Dragon, Jackie Paper & a land called Honalee.

Do you have 25 minutes to waste?? Then take a trip down memory lane with this classic… :)

Where's Noah When You Need Him!?

2009-02-20T13:50:00.000-08:00

10.12.08 - Wednesday

When it rains in Alabama, it rains. I mean, worthy of calling up Noah to ask to borrow his little dinghy.

This water you see here… It is covering up a parking lot at the end of a Greenway. Good thing no one left their car parked there overnight (as people have been known to do…). Otherwise it would have become a new home for some little fishes.

And this water over here… Yup, you shouldn’t even be able to see any water that close to the road.

All of this is about ½ block from my apartment complex. Now I finally have a reason to be thankful for the ginormous hills the civil engineers decided not to level when they designed the lots. The same hills that cause cars to go sliding down them no matter how hard you pull your e-brake. Yup. Those hills finally showed they’re good for something!

Antique Birds, Disney Princesses & Veggie Tales Make For a Great First Christmas Tree!

2009-02-20T13:14:00.000-08:00

08.12.08 - Monday

To tell you the truth, I had absolutely no intention of putting the effort into putting up a Christmas tree this year. But when my mother told me she would be sending me multiple boxes full of Christmas ornaments, I couldn’t help but get excited about getting a little into the Christmas spirit.

You see, it has been a tradition since I was born to receive an ornament or two every year in my stocking. So, as you can imagine, I have quite the collection of ornaments. My mother was finally letting me have my ornaments for my very own tree!

Now, I foolishly expected to receive every single ornament I’d ever been given, but I’m not sure what cause me to be so delusional, because I knew there was no way my mother would give up every roller coaster, Harry Potter, Disney Princess & other cool ornaments that were rightfully mine. I knew she’d only send the ones she could stand to part with, in order to keep her trees (yes, trees… she has multiple…) fully stocked and wonderful.

Thus, I received all the rejects. I got ONE Harry Potter ornament, about half of the Disney Princesses, all the Veggie Tales and quite the array of very strange (though, admittedly cool) antique ornaments from my grandparent’s collection. Oh, and did you know my grandfather had his own business of a bird aviary? Yup. So… he had a thing for birds. Thus, I received numerous bird ornaments. And the best thing of all!? The tree-topper. Umm… What IS this thing?! Haha…

Once all put together, my tree was laden with Disney Princesses, funky birds & Bob & Larry. My tree may be funny looking, but I love it!

I Know It.

2009-02-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

06.12.08 - Saturday

Just another fine example of the money well spent on one’s vehicle here in Huntsville, Alabama.

Go into Jason’s Deli hungry. Leave feeling better about yourself after witnessing this parked next to your vehicle.

And what is it exactly that you “know” owner of the “pimped-out” Chevy? You know you wasted your money? You know you look like a fool driving down the road? You know when you get pulled over in this white boat, the cop will probably write you a ticket for being a “know-it-all?”

Yup. You Know It.

Man… No Lunch Lady!?

2009-02-20T11:50:00.000-08:00

05.12.08 - Friday

Today was a great day. I was given the privilege of eating in a real, true-blue, legit cafeteria (minus the lunch ladies with the hair nets). Took me back to the days of plastic portioned trays, fried okra, chicken fried steak & chocolate milk. Though, today, the menu was spaghetti, fried corn balls & macaroni & cheese. So very healthy… :)

Thank you Adtran for giving me my 3rd grade memories back… and for trying to charge me for a “to-go” box, thus resulting in my taking my spaghetti leftovers in a Styrofoam cup.

Clark’s Apartment = The Antithesis of Boredom

2009-02-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

03.12.08 - Wednesday

Where does one go to find all the games, gadgets & gizmos in one place!? Nope, not www.thinkgeek.com. Nei, not Sharper Image. Nada, not Brookstone.

You go to Clark’s apartment.

There you will find almost every single game system, every Arnold Schwarzenegger movie ever made, darts, mini-pool, an array of puzzles for anyone who wants to get a head-ache, something like 7 different lava lamps and the ultimate game: Boccerball (Wanna play? Don’t worry… I’ll totally school you!)

As you can picture, Clark’s apartment is über cool. What are some other things that make it so crazy cool??

His kitchen sink. Yup, his kitchen sink. This little gadget turns the water blue when the water’s cold, and red when the water’s hot. Brilliant!

Festive Han Solo. Mmm… Han Solo.

I have the coolest friends. :)

Busch Gardens: Anheuser-Busch’s Best Idea Ever! (Followed Closely by the Art of Brewing)

2009-02-11T12:33:00.000-08:00

28.11.08 - Friday

When your family lives in Florida, it is only natural to visit any of the many amusement parks within close proximity. And to do so every single time you’re in the state. I mean, why not!? Those roller coasters are built for a reason! To be enjoyed! Time and time and time and time and time again… :)

But I hadn’t been to Busch Gardens in many years, so when the opportunity arose to see my friend Chris’s band - Thomas Wynn & the Believers - play in Tampa on Friday night, I couldn’t just pass up spending the day taking pictures with giraffes, rhinos, elephants & riding awesome roller coasters (such as the SheiKra!).

Oh Busch Gardens, how I love thee.

Mermaids, Sea Cows & Manatees!

2009-02-11T11:01:00.000-08:00

27.11.08 - Thursday

Fact: My dad’s side of my family lives in Florida.
Fact: My favorite animal growing up was the manatee.
Fact: I’ve been to Florida more times than I can count.
Fact: I’ve never seen a manatee in the wild… Until now.

Today ranks up there for Best Days of My Life.

I was obsessed with manatees for a good 10 years of my life, and collected hundreds of little manatee objects during that time, ranging from earrings, to statues, to ornaments, to t-shirts… you name it, I probably have it.

Every time I’d visit my family in Florida, we’d go to Blue Springs Park in hopes of catching a glimpse of some manatees, and every time I was disappointed. I must have gone to that park over 30 times praying to see just one of those cute little rubber animals.

But today, today was different. I drove with my aunt up to the Park on Thanksgiving Day, just as something to do, somewhere to walk around, and when we arrived at the entrance gate, the sign on the Ranger Station said they had 175 manatees in the springs. All at once! Umm… you can imagine I got a little excited. And you can imagine I couldn’t believe my eyes when we walked up to the ramps & bridges overlooking the water and saw 10, 20, 30 manatees floating slowly & gracefully down the river. I managed to take a few pictures and here are some of my favorites.

The only thing that would have made the day better would be to have Jimmy Buffett there…

Yay manatees! :)

Jimmy Buffett - Save the Manatees

That Looks Familiar.

2009-02-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

24.11.08 - Monday

Imagine my surprise as I’m perusing my morning emails & I receive one from Pottery Barn, and I see this picture. Now, you’re thinking, “What’s so special about it?” Take a look at the phone on the bedside table. Ignore all the wonderfully overpriced Pottery Barn merchandise, and focus on the phone.

I have that phone. Yup. Sitting in my apartment. The one I use pretty much everyday.

It made me smile. :)

Dear Saturn,

2009-01-23T06:25:00.000-08:00

23.11.08 - Sunday

Let us all take this moment of silence to remember what was once my little blue Saturn. It can be seen here in all its working glory…

Happy I'm okay! Sad because no more Saturn...

Explanation? Well, evidently God didn’t want me to have my car anymore. Which is fine. A little inconvenient, but I know there’s something good to come out of my lack of transportation. I’m not one to challenge the Big Man! But seriously, I know this will help me not to rely so much on myself, and will definitely help me to rely on my main man Jesus and my wonderful friends around me, considering Huntsvegas is not exactly designed for anything but driving cars…

But yeah… The damage is rather extensive, but thankfully neither I nor the other girl involved were hurt. Both our cars were totaled, but we both walked away from the accident. (Although, both my knees were out of commission for a day or two. Hard plastic dash + bony knees = nice bruises)

Turns out all my physics professors were right when they said that two objects cannot occupy the same space simultaneously. Thanks Pauli!

Notice my bumper hanging out next to my car?

I guess the 16 year old young woman thought I was turning right in an intersection, where I was in fact going straight, and she decided to make a left-hand turn directly in front of my car that was traveling at 45 mph. Whoops. Oh well… accidents happen. Thus the word accident. The details involved my front end passenger side smashing into her rear end passenger side, my car spinning 180 degrees, both my airbags deploying, me jumping out of the car like there was a fire under me, and then me going into something resembling shock. Boy… that was fun.

Oh, and I was branded. By my car. Haha… It was funny because I noticed this big red mark on my hand after everything had happened, and just assumed I had been burned by the airbag. As the night progressed, I kept looking at my hand, thinking it was changing shape… By the end of the night, I went to wash my face, and the warm water turned the mark even more red, resulting in my epiphany of realizing it SAID something! And what did it say?? It said “SATU” backwards. As in SATURN. And it included some of the symbol too… I couldn’t stop laughing for like 5 minutes. Probably some left-over shock. Haha… But yeah, apparently when the airbag exploded, the symbol on my steering wheel hit me so hard to brand my hand for the next week. Nice.

Oh, and I’d like to make a shout-out to Eric, John & Miller for picking up off the side of the road. I appreciate it. Haha.

Time to go car shopping! (Though, I don’t think I’ll be buying another Saturn. This was Totaled Saturn #2. At least I can attest to the fact that they’re safe cars!!)

What do they do with all the debris hanging out on the road after your plastic car sacrifices itself for you?
They load it into the back seat of your car. Lovely.

The Weird Uncle… Everyone's Got One…

2009-01-22T11:05:00.001-08:00

22.11.08 - Saturday

In the city of Huntsvegas, in the circle of everything Greek, or more accurately, in the circle of everything Delta Zeta (which is the sorority that rules all in this city… they’re like the mob), there is one weekend that stands above the rest. That weekend is the weekend of the DZ Marketplace. Where you will find everything you never needed and so much more. But don’t worry, it’s all hand-made & just “so cute!” Unless you’re the lady at the Tupperware booth. I somehow doubt you made those containers yourself…

You can find yourself wandering aimlessly in this place for hours, “ooh-ing,” “ah-ing” and “uhhhh-ing” at the “talent” displayed amongst the many aisles of heavily scented and exuberantly decorated booths. But, to be fair, there are many talented persons that come to sell their crafts, and it is from those few individuals that I bought a majority of my Christmas presents for everyone.

Including, and not limited to, a wind chime made from antique silverware, a really cool drawing of a Jimmy Buffett inspired parrot scene (but in color!), the “left brain” for my KimJim, and a neat garden do-hicky for the madre. But the best gift of all was being able to leave with this picture of an extremely creepy peanut man.

All I can say is that I’m glad Uncle Salty is not related to me…

Oh Alabama…

Thanks for the Coffee Grandma!

2009-01-20T07:20:00.000-08:00

16.11.08 - Sunday

I don’t really drink coffee. Never really have, though I sometimes enjoy the random cup, and the coffee aisle is one of my favorites at the grocery store. So, naturally, I don’t have a coffee maker in my apartment. And that’s all well & good, except for the rare occasion when that aromatic bean needs to make an appearance in my little kitchen, such as in an amazingly delicious chocolate cupcake recipe.

Well, Chocolate Cupcakes with Peanut Butter Icing by Ina Garten (better known as the Barefoot Contessa) to be exact.

So, in preparation of using my amazing baking skills, I went to the local Target to buy some coffee grounds for the first time in my life. That’s right. The very first time. Now, I already mentioned I don’t have a coffee maker, but that wasn’t the exact truth. Thanks to my dear ol’ grandparents, I inherited almost every single appliance, tool, mechanism and accessory you could ever imagine necessary in any kitchen. Including a stove top coffee percolator. Uh huh. A percolator. Straight from the 1950’s.

I tried to capture a picture of the coffee bubbling up in the top glass bulb, but my photography skills are not up to par with my baking skills… :)

Alright, so I have this percolator. And I have the coffee grounds. Ummm… Now what!? I definitely had to do a bit of research to find out how exactly one makes coffee in the percolator. And turns out, for this particular model, though it says you can make as little as two cups at a time, it is a liar, and you have to make like 6 cups in order for it to create the right strength of brew! And you wanna know exactly how much coffee I needed for the recipe? 2 tablespoons. Yup. What’s that saying about “waste not; want not”? Whoops. Guess I should’ve gone with the instant coffee…

Jim Put My Stapler in Jell-O Again!

2009-01-19T14:53:00.000-08:00

13.11.08 – Thursday

As an Office fan, I couldn’t help but emulate the very mature “Stapler in Jell-O” prank on a fellow office-mate who was gone on vacation for two weeks. (It was not a gorgeous replicate, but it got the point across... haha) And to make it even better, I used her red Swingline stapler, a duplicate to the infamous stapler belonging to Milton in Office Space.

It was pretty much amazing.

And if you don’t know what I’m talking about, check out this clip from the original UK version of The Office.

We’re Going to the Cyclades for Lunch. We’ll be Back.

2009-01-16T13:09:00.001-08:00

12.11.08 - Wednesday

I wish every restaurant I went to was themed. And not only themed, but festooned in very discreet, simple decorations pertaining to their advertised food. Or the exact opposite! Ha.

We had Greek food for lunch today. And I must tell you, I felt like I was actually sitting on one of the Cyclades islands. Well, that is if they were cheesely decorated with giant wall murals, foam columns and burbling electric fountains surrounded by plexiglass in the corner.

The Moon is Made of Cheese

2009-01-16T13:06:00.001-08:00

08.11.08 - Saturday

The moon is made of cheese. It’s true. Well, it is according to Google.

Is The Moon Made Of Cheese?!? ACCORDING TO GOOGLE.COM - Funny videos are here

Well, actually, I tried that out, and the moon is apparently no longer made of cheese. Sad day.

Sad day it may be for cheese, Google & the moon… It is not a sad day, but a beautiful day! Mmmm… wonderful fall colors & the moon. Love it!

Are You Single? Cause Becky Is!

2009-01-16T13:01:00.000-08:00

06.11.08 - Thursday

Two reasons I don’t eat at Applebee’s.

a. They have strange cardboard cut-outs of men pointing at you standing at the hostess booth.

II. The manager comes up to your table to ask if everything’s okay, and your fellow Young Life leaders ask if he’s single, followed by informing him that I just happen to be single. Thank you guys. But I’m really not interested in dating the Applebee’s manager. Especially one who proceeds to explain to you that he is currently going through a divorce, and goes into great detail about how crazy that woman is… Quite the catch. Thank you wanna-be matchmakers. Thank you.

When Life Gives You Lemons… Make Packaged Lemon Juice.

2009-01-16T12:56:00.000-08:00

01.11.08 - Saturday

Why would someone want fresh lemon slices for their iced teas/waters when they can get these wonderfully compact packages of lemon juice?!?

I mean, sure, it probably cuts down on all the bacteria transfer going on when workers who don’t wash their hands cut the lemons and place the wedges in maybe not-so-clean containers for people to pick through with their grimy, I-just-wiped-my-kids-snot-with-my-fingers fingers and whoops-I-just-dropped-those-on-the-floor tongs. But still! You will never get the same satisfaction of trying to rip open a packet of lemon juice as you will get from squeezing the lemon wedge yourself and managing to squirt your friend in the eye “on accident.”

Just sayin’.

Are You Lola??

2009-01-15T12:06:00.001-08:00

31.10.08 - Friday

Halloween. Some people’s favorite holiday of the year. You get to come up with a genius plan of a costume that will knock the socks off of everyone you encounter! You get to spend hours planning, shopping and putting the finishing touches on this outfit you’ll probably only wear once ever. That is… unless you’re me.

What did I do? Well, I merely went shopping in my own closet the night before. I entered my giant walk-in closet dressed in normal, every-day clothes, and emerged dressed in every mismatched article I could possibly fit together! What was the result? A sweet clown costume.

Or so I thought. Until I showed up at my church’s Harvest Fest, where there are hundreds of little children milling about. Where there are hundreds of little Hannah Montana fans milling about! Apparently… I looked just like “Lola” from Hannah Montana.

I had multiple little girls (and boys!) come up to me and shyly ask, “Are you Lola!?” To which I replied, “Absolutely!” (No sense in dashing all those little Cinderella/Buzz Lightyear/Frog’s hopes and dreams!)

And the funny part is… They actually believed me. They all ran away whispering and giggling to their friends…

My name is Becky, but tonight, you can call me Lola.

Make Your Own Calzone!

2009-01-15T12:02:00.001-08:00

30.10.08 - Thursday

Let me set up a little story for you here.

You come home from a long day in the office. You’re getting hungry.

You don’t have too much time to make something amazing like you always do, (I mean, you are so incredibly gifted in the kitchen [not to toot your own horn or anything…]) since you have plans tonight (you’re also incredibly popular). You reach into the freezer for a yummy CPK pizza you recently bought at Target (presumably on your infamous Black Spaghetti run…), for these very rare times when you give in to corporate, frozen-fed America.

You instantly begin salivating, which is stupid, since you still have like 20 minutes before you can even eat it, and that’s only if you’re willing to try to ingest molten-lava cheese, resulting in some sweet 2nd degree burns on the inside your mouth, which in itself results in not being able to taste the rest of the amazing CPK pizza, so in reality you have to wait like 25 minutes. Fine. You can read another 10 chapters of the brilliant novel you’re currently reading (Cause really, who has time for TV? Especially when you’re talented enough to read 10 chapters of anything in 25 minutes…) while it’s cooking. That’s a bargain you’re willing to live with. All of these near-future plans are running through your head as you’re ripping open the cardboard box. You reach in, pull out the plastic-wrapped goodness, only to find… ::gasp::!!!

What?? What happened here?? WHY is only HALF of my CPK goodness covered in toppings?? Maybe the CPK big-wigs are hinting you shouldn’t eat so much. Maybe they’re giving you an open invitation to create your own toppings for the other half. Maybe they want you to make it a calzone instead! You’re not sure what their true intentions were, but you are flabbergasted. Yes, flabbergasted. (You realize you truly don’t use that word enough…)

But, no matter. You’re an engineer. You’ll figure this out… That’s why they pay you the big bucks.

Eats, Shoots & Leaves

2009-01-15T11:53:00.000-08:00

29.10.08 - Wednesday

A panda walks into a cafe. He orders a sandwich, eats it, then draws a gun and fires two shots in the air.

"Why?" asks the confused waiter, as the panda makes towards the exit. The panda produces a badly punctuated wildlife manual and tosses it over his shoulder.

"I'm a panda," he says, at the door. "Look it up."

The waiter turns to the relevant entry and, sure enough, finds an explanation.

"Panda. Large black-and-white bear-like mammal, native to China. Eats, shoots and leaves."

Umm… marvelous. I saw this book (Eats, Shoots & Leaves) at Barnes & Noble (my earthly form of heaven) and knew I needed it the instant I realized it was a sweet illustrated edition. The closer of the deal? The price tag on the back. There is no price listed. Instead, it merely says “Sticklers unite!”

Uh-mazing.

For Those Unique Grocery Needs…

2009-01-15T11:49:00.000-08:00

28.10.08 - Tuesday

Walk in to Target.
Get out your grocery list.
Begin your search.

Milk? Check.
Apples? Check.
Eggs? Check.
BLACK Spaghetti??? Check!

Really? Black Spaghetti?? Two questions: Why? Really?

I’m not saying it’s not cool, but what’s the purpose? For those people offended by plain ol’ spaghetti? To get those stubborn children to eat their pasta? To make it invisible for when you dine in the dark?

Hmm… I suppose you could ponder the wonder of black spaghetti for hours on end. Instead, I think I’ll just eat it.

Uncle Smokey Would Be So Proud…

2009-01-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

27.10.08 - Monday

Tonight we had a GIANT bonfire for ((echo)), and when I think of giant bonfires out in the middle if nowhere, it reminds me of my Uncle Smokey.

“Uncle?” you ask? Yes, Uncle. Or some form of relation. You see, my grandfather was one of the forest rangers who discovered Smokey Bear. But Smokey doesn’t write; he doesn’t call… ::sigh::

Oh well, I’ll just ride on his coattails… good enough for me.

Ha. :)

And, who doesn’t love a good Public Service Announcement? Especially one with Sleeping Beauty!!

Wildfire Prevention- Unexpected

Funny How...

2009-01-15T08:03:00.000-08:00

26.10.08 - Sunday

Beyoncé - New Music - More Music Videos

Enough said.

I Scream… You Scream… We All Scream For Ice Cream!

2009-01-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

25.10.08 - Saturday

Hmmm…. Statistically, Alabama’s ranked as the third fattest state in the country. I wonder why!? Oh wait… it could be because they dedicate ENTIRE grocery store aisles to ice cream! Geez Louise people. Geez Louise.

Love From China. Or Huntsville, AL.

2009-01-15T07:52:00.000-08:00

24.10.08 - Friday

First thing first. We have an “outdoors” store in Huntsville. Now, that’s not all that unusual, since there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities here. But the fact that it’s in a “trendy” mall, trying to market to the upper-class people of Huntsville kind of makes me laugh… And it’s also just weird seeing all this gear that I would consider Colorado-worthy sitting on shelves & hanging on racks. I guess I just find some things harder to adjust to than others… Haha…

Beyond my prejudices against this store (and the people working in it, who look like they’re trying WAY too hard to be what they imagine a Patagonia model would look like…), they did have some pretty sweet stuff.

Like this amazing hat!! I’ve seen serious hikers wearing this thing, and after trying it on myself, I would imagine it would be something I could own someday… But maybe not today. Since I live in Huntsville, Alabama and won’t be hiking along the Great Wall any time soon…

And here’s some love from Paramore. Decode’s one of their new songs on the upcoming Twilight soundtrack!
Mmm… Edward.

Paramore - New Music - More Music Videos

Yes, Scary Old Men Text Too!

2009-01-15T07:45:00.001-08:00

23.10.08 - Thursday

Who says texting is just for the kids these days?!

Don’t hate! Celebrate!

Please, Mr. Postman…

2008-10-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

22.10.08 - Wednesday

As I walked up to my apartment door today, the song “Please, Mr. Postman” popped into my head, because lo-and-behold, I had a giant box waiting for me!! Who doesn’t love getting mail, and even better, packages??

I have been getting lots of mail from those I love over this last month & a half, and it makes me happy to know I may be out of sight, but I’m not out of mind.

But really, who COULD forget me!? ;)

And in honor of the ‘60s, here’s an array of "Please, Mr. Postman" videos for your viewing pleasure.
The Marvelettes version is my favorite for two reasons:
1. They sang the original song.
2. The guy that is sitting closest to them has absolutely NO sense of rhythm… watch. You’ll see. Poor nerdy white boy. Ha.

The Marvelettes:

The Beatles:

The Carpenters:

That’s Lovely Avery. Just Lovely.

2008-10-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

20.10.08 - Monday

I recently received an email chalk-full of pictures from my sister-in-law Bethany. Apparently, she & my brother braved a night of Autumn Festivities with their zoo of a crew. This was my favorite out of the bunch, and caused me to literally laugh aloud when I saw it… What a lovely face Avery. Really. Just lovely.

And I think he’s supposed to be a bee? Haha… And everyone say hello to Shamara!! :)

Round Waffle-Iron = Square Waffle. Spectacular.

2008-10-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

19.10.08 - Sunday

I was erasing pictures from my phone today when I came across this beauty from nearly a year ago…

It takes a certain kind of talent to produce a square waffle from a round waffle-iron. Yup. I’m just that talented.

Mmm… waffles.

Two is ALWAYS Better than One!

2008-10-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

16.10.08 - Thursday

Who doesn’t love getting pictures like this??

Obviously, having two pacifiers is always better than having just one…
Aw, Avery, how I miss you & your amazing cow-lick!!

Dear United States Postal Service,

2008-10-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

14.10.08 - Tuesday

Dear United States Postal Service,

1991 called. They want their sign back.

Sincerely,
USPS Patron of the 21st Century

Song of the Moment:
Raise It Up from August Rush
Gives me goosebumps every time I hear it. (The video's kinda quiet for the first few seconds... fyi)

For Someone Who Despises Jack Daniels, I Sure Do Love Lynchburg, Tennessee!

2008-10-20T12:47:00.000-07:00

12.10.08 - Sunday

I was given the amazing opportunity to head up to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery up in Lynchburg, Tennessee this weekend with the Huntsville Young Professionals (because I’m a Young Professional in Huntsville, holla!). I have been to many a brewery, as par when living in Colorado, but never to a spirit distillery, so this was new & exciting for me!

We headed up via caravan around 9:45 am in order to make our lunch-time reservations for lunch at Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House. Um… UH-mazing!! Great southern home-style cooking enjoyed as a “family” where we all sat around a big table, always passing to the left & never going without. Hello fried catfish, pork chops, macaroni & cheese, Jack Daniel apples, fried okra, lima beans, corn bread, sweet tea, & the most amazing chess pie w/ Jack Daniel whipped cream. I highly recommend Miss Mary Bobo’s and if anyone ever wants to come & visit me, we can make a special trip there! (Mind you, I’ll need at least 2 months notice… it takes that long to get a reservation!)

I made fast friends with other “Young Professionals” on the way up there, so it was fun to wander around Lynchburg (the whole 4 blocks of the city-center) with them before we headed up to Jack Daniel’s. I met a dedicated checkers player (he beat me!), enjoyed a good ol’ fashioned Coca-Cola straight out of the bottle & experienced the most amazing scene of old men enjoying their sodas in rocking chairs on the porch of the local eatery with a classic car parked right in front. Perfect.

The Jack Daniel’s tour was superb as well. The fact that I despise black label Jack Daniel Whiskey was utterly reinforced, seeing as that I was surrounded by its scent the entire hour of the tour.

I learned that they used to catch moonshiners with illegal stills by the way the distilling process creates a special kind of mold that turns everything black in the surrounding area, including buildings & the bark of trees, such as this example creating a unique picturesque look of bright green leaves & black bark.

I got cozy with Jack & then went off to do a whiskey tasting (when in Rome!). Did you know Jack Daniel's makes 3 types of whiskey?? Gentleman Jack, Black Label & Single Barrel (and you can buy a whole barrel of Single Barrel for yourself for a mere $9000). Both Gentleman Jack & Single Barrel were suprisingly good, but I still would never be able to sit down & enjoy a whiskey on the rocks. Just not gonna happen.

Thank you Jack Daniel, for a magnificent day spent in Lynchburg, Tennesse (pop. 361).

Oh, and I've re-fallen in love with FM Static. Mmm... yup, definitely have had this song on repeat all day! You sure are crazy Crazy Mary...

Crazy Mary - FM Static

This One’s For Eli Whitney…

2008-10-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

11.10.08 - Saturday

When asked what season is my favorite, I always say autumn. This is because I love what the time of year brings. It brings sweaters, scarves & boots. It brings pumpkin-flavored everything. It brings hot chocolate. It brings a new look to the foliage, whether it be turning Aspens into golden fountains & bright fires, or creating snow-like bulbs of cotton spanning across acres of land. And in Alabama, there is no lack of cotton fields to provide me with my seasonal pleasure. This one’s for you Eli Whitney…

He Will Be Mine & I Will Call Him My Escargot

2008-10-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

10.10.08 - Friday

So, I didn’t actually take this picture today. I took it back at the end of August, but I only found it today! So I’m counting it. :)

I made this little friend while in San Jose, California at my god-parents daughter’s wedding. It was late at night, and I was having a spectacular time (hey there champagne toasts!), when I meandered out and came across this slimy dude. He will be mine & I will call him my Escargot.

I Went in for Silverware & Came out with the Arc de Triomphe!

2008-10-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

09.10.08 - Thursday

I’ve been in my apartment for a little over a month now. I’ve had all my furniture & boxes for a little over two weeks now. I’ve been eating with plastic utensils that I bought at Target all this time. It’s about time I bought some real silverware. Now, I could have gone for the matching set (probably easily found at Target as well…) but that’s just not how I role. Ever since I moved back to good ol’ Sweet Home Alabama, it’s been all about the thrift stores. And do you know what all thrift stores have?! An abundance of kitchen utensils, small & large!! So, today I found myself leaving work as a woman on a mission: To eat dinner tonight with real silverware!!

I made my way to the Asbury Thrift Store to buy my new-to-me eating tools, where I proceeded to find all sorts of mismatched knives, spoons & forks. Making my way up to the cash register with my 20 or so pieces of silver, something wonderful caught my eye. The Arc de Triomphe!! Oh yes… the Arc de Triomphe. In good ol’ Madison, Alabama.

Now, you have to understand my love of Paris. And my love of ornately framed paintings of places in Paris. And my small collection of this love that I cover my living quarters with… But up until now, these paintings have been rather small… Maybe about the size of an 8X10. But not anymore!! I am the new owner of this hot mamma!! Probably a good 18X36 inches (and a steal at a whole whopping $5.00!!). I’m thinking it’ll be my new headboard. Haha… Or I’ll put it right where my non-existent TV would be. I’d much rather look at the Arc de Triomphe than a TV anyway…

Soda Sculptures. Like Sand Sculptures, Only Not.

2008-10-13T14:34:00.000-07:00

07.10.08 - Tuesday

What’s better than going through the self check-out at your local Kroger and seeing a giant display of Alabama football pride?? Well, many things actually. But still, this was a great show of some stock-boy’s creativity hard at work. He was probably incredibly bored some Wednesday night around 2 am and decided to find a way to utilize the extra 500 12 packs of soda they received that week in their shipment. I applaud you 17-year-old-stock-boy-from-Bama. I applaud you. Be sure to take a picture of this and send it in with your application to Auburn for the engineering program. You’re a shoe-in. Fo’ sho’.

Knock Knock. Who’s There? Banana. Banana Who?

2008-10-13T14:19:00.001-07:00

06.10.08 – Monday

Knock Knock. Who’s there? Banana. Banana who?
Knock Knock. Who’s there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad I didn’t say banana!?

Mmmm… The produce section of the grocery store is by far my favorite part of shopping. It always has been. I think it can be traced back to my days of Reading Rainbow & Sesame Street, when they would show clips of kids with their parents shopping for groceries on the streets of NYC or some big city, where they had produce stands with all the pretty arrangements of fresh fruits & veggies varying in colors & shapes. Such a weird sense of nostalgia, considering I never experienced it first hand, but there you go. Sometimes things need not be explained. Don’t worry about it. :)

Oh, hello my dear friend nostalgia...

I Didn't Realize This Was BYOSP...

2008-10-10T13:38:00.000-07:00

4.10.08 - Saturday

I guess I really shouldn't have expected any different from people at the Lowe Mill (a very exciting & interesting place, complete with independent, local artists, and even a true-blue record store!) I mean, I was at the Flying Monktoberfest. No, but wait. I was at the Flying Monktoberfest. An event filled with all the free, great tasting beer you could ever ask for. (They were raising money to help legalise the distribution of higher alcohol content beer in Alabama, helping out Free the Hops.) You see, they couldn't charge admission, because they can't sell the beer, so, aside from a "suggested donation" there was no money involved.

So, I guess this presents the comment: I didn't realize this was a BYOSP (Bring Your Own Six Pack)...

This lovely fella' had a plastic bag filled with some cans of Miller, alongside the one he was holding in his hand, enjoying at the present moment. I just found this ironically uproarious, considering all the delicious (and free!) beer one floor below him... Maybe he was trying to impress the cute girl in the rad red cowboy boots. :)

You Look Good For 119

2008-10-10T13:14:00.000-07:00

3.10.08 - Friday

I have come to the conclusion that Charlie Chaplin is stalking me. Why? Well, because I've seen him twice within the last two weeks. And not in the same place. Or even in two places within 10 miles of each other. Hmm. That is why I think he's stalking me. :)

But this picture was taken at Mason's in downtown Huntsville. Say hello to Jesse. He was my model so I could take a picture of Charlie without looking like a crazy person. So instead, Jesse looks like the crazy person. Oh, crazy Jesse.

I wonder where I will see Charlie next!? The first time was at Bridge Street, so maybe next time will be at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens?? Only time will tell.

My Bologna has a First Name...

2008-10-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

2.10.08 - Thursday

Now, I have been known to eat a bologna sandwich or two in my life, but usually it involved two pieces of bread & some sort of condiment. But if you're a part of Young Life, we don't waste time with such things as bread & condiments!! We just send the bologna straight to the face!!

I believe my favorite part of this picture is the perfectly round pieces of indiscernible meat laying around the two boys, as evidence of their failed attempts to cover their heads with Oscar Mayer's pride & joy.

I am so thankful for the time I get to spend with these amazing kids, and for the laughter they create, even if it is a result of trying to catch pieces of bologna on their faces.

Oh, and here's a little something for you to enjoy... :)

Why Yes, I WOULD Like My Steak Delivered...

2008-10-01T09:17:00.001-07:00

29.9.08 - Monday

Steak-Out: Another great thing about living in the South.

How’s it work? Well, let me enlighten you.

First, you call them up.
Second, you order your Ribeye or Sirloin steak (anywhere from 6 oz – 12 oz) anyway you like. You want shrimp with that!?
Next, you pick either a baked potato (loaded of course!) or garlic mashed potatoes (yummm…).
Then, you choose the dressing to go on your side salad (oh the choices!)
Finally, you hang up after paying $12 & wait 20 minutes for all of this deliciousness to show up at your door.

This picture is evidence of my incredible laziness Monday night & my desire to not eat a PB&J or fast food. Instead, I got great food fast! And don’t worry, I ate the whole thing. I was hungry after all. :)

Christina Aguilera is a Gangster

2008-10-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

28.9.08 - Sunday

I just want to preface this post by saying, “Please appreciate this picture, because it took us probably 5 tries to get it right.” Haha. Just kidding. You don’t have to appreciate it. But if I were to look for things to appreciate about it, here would be a list:

- I appreciate how I am 10 shades lighter than both of the boys beside me.
- I appreciate the Coors Light Zac bought for us in honor of me. Yay Golden!
- I appreciate the fact that we're all wearing grey shirts. Nice.
- I appreciate the hours before this was taken, when we were hanging out at The Big House on the Corner, watching football, eating Puppy Chow & playing Rock Band.
- I appreciate the fact that Ketchup wasn’t very crowded, but don’t appreciate how it still managed to make you go deaf due to the obnoxiously loud music they were playing.
- I appreciate the ride home afterwards, and finding out Jesse thinks he’s a gangster, until Christina Aguilera’s “Come on Over” starts serenading us, blowing his whole cover.
- And finally, I appreciate new friends & good times.

Thank you for letting me say "appreciate" 11 times in this post. Ohp, well, now 12. :)

Aluminum Foil Swans? I Don’t Think So…

2008-09-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

27.9.08 - Saturday

So, you know how in some restaurants, when you get your leftovers, they wrap it up in aluminum foil & shape it into a swan? Well… I’ve discovered what animal I shall request next time this happens…

And please note the elephant beneath the moose. Amazing. There was also an alligator, but it didn't fit in my picture. :)

Oh, the things you discover when you’re on a mission to make enough Puppy Chow to send the 5 people you’re hanging out with into a diabetic coma.

Bakers Rack = Small Alabama Towns

2008-09-30T06:40:00.000-07:00

26.9.08 - Friday

This lovely piece of furniture is called a Baker’s Rack. And it is helping me fill the void of having no pantry in my apartment. (Seriously, what kind of apartment doesn’t have a pantry!?) I recently bought it off craigslist for like $25 (a steal!) under the assumption that it would be easily attained by myself by just driving by the previous owner’s house & picking it up. But I have yet to learn, that things aren’t always as easy as they seem.

So, I started off my little adventure to Maysville, Alabama with directions from Google Maps & $40 cash. I’m jamming to the radio in my car & cruising down Highway 72 keeping an eye out for the road sign indicating where I will turn off. Umm… this simple task turned out to be a lot harder than I thought. Why? Oh, well, maybe because I was in the middle of the Boondocks where they don’t believe in street signs bigger than the size of a ruler. Nor do they believe that they should be placed on both sides of a road, where people can read them regardless of which side of the highway they are on. This resulted in me driving a good 15 miles past my turn-off, only to realize this when I drove past a Piggly Wiggly. Yup, a Piggly Wiggly. At that point, I knew something was wrong. Piggly Wiggly’s don’t exist within 20 miles of Huntsville.

So I turn around, call the house I’m trying to get to & set on my merry way again. I finally find my turn off. Yay! It’s another 3 miles down the road until I get to their neighborhood, so I’m watching all the scenery go by. And by scenery I mean little tiny shacks that say “Feed” and “Grocer” on them. Amazing. I feel like I’ve fallen into a secret little southern Pleasantville. I get to the neighborhood, and now I know I’ve made it to Pleasantville. The neighborhood is kind of in the middle of nowhere, and all the houses are the same. The grass in their yards is all the same. It seems that all the cars in the driveways are all the same. It’s not creepy, just a little strange. Very “Wrinkle in Time.”

But I get my Bakers Rack, and return home with a little adventure in my back pocket. Good thing that thing sat in the back of my car in pieces for the better part of a week. And good thing it now provides me with my own little pantry. Good story. :)

Hummer^2

2008-09-30T06:35:00.000-07:00

27.9.08 - Thursday

Today was a fun day. I experienced Zumba for the first time (That’s one heck of a work out!) & I got to go with a friend from work to see Eagle Eye (I wasn’t expecting much from it, but it turned out to be really good).

But the cherry on top was walking out into the parking lot after the movie & seeing this. A giant Hummer (not an H2 or H3, but a big giant, gas-guzzling, original road Hummer) with the very astute license plate reading: HUMMMMR.

Thank you Alabama.

Infinite Twilight

2008-09-30T06:32:00.000-07:00

24.9.08 - Wednesday

I went to the Madison Public Library today for the first time in 10 years. It still has not changed. Well, some of the books inside it have. As well as some of the posters.

I came across this poster with the stars of the new movie Twilight reading the book they come from. When I saw it I nearly laughed out loud, though quickly remembering I was in a library. I couldn’t resist taking a picture for a couple of reasons.
1. The Twilight Series (by Stephenie Meyer) has become one of my favorite series of all times. It’s ranked up there with Harry Potter & Lord of the Rings. Just spectacular.
2. I knew KimJim would get quite a kick out of it. And she did.
3. I just couldn’t believe they actually made a poster with this on it. It’s just kind of weird in my mind. Like when you’re standing in a hall of mirrors & there are an infinite number of mirrors & your reflection going on forever. Just funny to me I guess.

Oh, I love me some Edward Cullen.