Just Because...

I love my cousins and we took a pretty good photo at the good ole Cantina. We missed you, Mandy!

Jammin', Man

I lose points for this title, don't I?

Back over Father's Day weekend, we all went to the beach, and we wound up at this show called Clutch at The Breakers. There was audience participation, and after the first chosen guy refused to come onstage, the singer guy pulled up Pete. Pete was a pretty good sport. Pete also had dreds on his chin, and that made me giggle.

How did you spend your Saturday night?

I checked out the Birmingham roller derby a few weeks ago with Amy and Sara. It was...something else. The Tragic City Rollers got a beat down courtesy of the Memphis team. All this went down at the Zamora Shrine Temple, the big gold-dome place off I-459. Always wondered what happens there, didn't ya?




photos used without permission, taken by amanda storey; sorry, my video won't load

After we went to the Garage, and as we sat around chatting, I decided I needed a Krystal. And that's when I found out Sara had never eaten one. So we took her. Verdict? She liked 'em. And, bonus: Who knew the Krystal offered free wi-fi? Score.

Frustrating

We almost made it down the stairs with this thing fully loaded. You can imagine my displeasure. I said something like, "Oh, sugar!"



Bonus info: I used to have a hard time spelling "sugar" until my dad told me all I had to remember was the "s" and the "r" because right in the middle was UGA. Go Dawgs! (I always spelled it "suger.")

Truck Driver

I don't strike y'all as a truck-driving kind of gal, do I? You should've seen me trying to maneuver this thing down the road.

Budding Artist?

First of all, happy belated birthday to my cousin Jessica. She turned 21 Monday. We're all down on St. George Island for the week. We went over to Apalachicola for dinner, then back to play a little Pictionary. Check out Jess's masterpiece below. We didn't get this one. I'll post the answer in the comments.


One hint. When Jessica's sister, Jennifer, yelled out "octupus," Jess said, "close!"

Yeah, not so much. I think Ione has us beat.

At the Beach

And our house doesn't have wireless. Oh, the humanity. I have some good photos to share. Anyway, I'll try to post soon!

Playing

This MacBook is addictive.

My Good Deed

I found some more money tonight. And credit cards. I was putting away my buggy at Target when I noticed someone had left their Coach wallet in another buggy. Coach wallet, I assume, means big bucks inside. And maybe an Amex black. ha ha. I almost just left it there, but then I was afraid someone would come along and steal it. So I walked that wallet all the way back inside to guest services, even though it was time for me to be at Leah and Heinz's house for dinner.

Now see? I am totally a good person.

I Guess Everyone is Cashing In...

On the apple bottom trend. Even Macy's.

I'm a Granny

According to the Wii that is. I took the fitness test. I laughed, scoffed even. I bowled like a [decent] champ. I hit a few tennis balls.

And then I missed Every. Single. Baseball. I didn't hit one. Didn't even come close.

The verdict? I'm 80.

Here's a little perspective. My sister is 59. My grandfather is 43.

If I could capitalize numbers, you would've read that like this: FORTY-FRICKIN'-THREE. MY GRANDDAD.

But I'm newly addicted to the bowling. And I'm good. Got a few turkeys, even. I want a Wii.

I Have a Big Fat Crush

On Bill Hemmer. I've mentioned it before, you know, he goes with my Wedding Bell Blues song. But the flame was recently reignited when I saw him on TV the other morning. Yum. I'm willing to overlook the slight—okay, okay—13-year age difference. Okay, fine. 14 years.

Just My Luck

Yesterday I had to make a quick stop at World Market, and as I got out of my car, I totally spotted a $20 bill on the asphalt. There were no other cars around, no people. Just me and the crumpled up bill. So I took it. Is that wrong? Should I feel bad? Because I don't. I mean, where would one even turn in found money that's in the middle of a deserted parking lot? I'm sure I got captured on hidden camera for one of those shows about people who find stuff and steal it, but I don't think I care.

Alert: New Pet Peeve

Don't you think it's rude when you are standing in a long line at, say, The Hob, and when another register opens, people behind you scurry over to the new short line? Isn't the person next in line to be checked out supposed to be helped first?

Interesting—to me, at least

I've had to factcheck the spelling of "Doritos" twice in the past two months at work. And only one time was I actually working on a recipe. Doritos has a weird site. Check it out.

www.doritos.com

It's a lot of effort for a Web site about chips.

Breast Cancer Isn't Funny

But this bumper sticker is. Especially when you see one on the back of an old lady's Mercedes SUV.

Driving to the Lake

I look like the Unabomber, don't I? It was the only way to keep my hair out of my face and my eyes open. By the way, my grandparents are totally cool—check out their weekend ride!

HA HA HA HA—deep breath—AHA HA HA HA

From People.com

Paris Hilton Making Music with Benji Madden

It's good to have a musical boyfriend.

Benji Madden has already recorded a song about Paris Hilton, and now the Good Charlotte guitarist is helping her with her own music.

Hilton, 27, told E! News that she and Madden, 29, are hard at work on the theme song to her upcoming MTV reality show My New BFF.

"Benji and I have been working hard on it," she said. "He's helping me write the lyrics for the song and then I'll sing it, too."

The couple, who've been dating for four months, are laying down the track at a studio located, conveniently enough, in her Beverly Hills mansion.

Premiering later this year, My New BFF will follow the former Surreal Life star as she chooses a new shopping buddy from 20 contestants.

Hilton also plans to start working on the follow-up to her 2006 debut CD Paris. "I'll have another album come out, for sure," she told E! News. "I just don't know when yet. I only have the summer off, then I'll be taping another season of BFF. But an album is something I'll do."

EDITOR'S NOTE: I will admit to a slight enjoyment of the Stars Are Blind ditty. Slight.

Also, why will she be filming another season of this show? I mean, the whole point is to find a new BFF and stick with her, right?

Amy Wins!

New post title below for the flip flop-pizza fiasco.

Don't Anger the Target Lady

Last night I went to Target to pick up just a few things, so I got a basket instead of a buggy. When I got to the checkout line—and let me say here that the Target on Hwy. 280 never has enough lanes open—I put the basket on the conveyor belt. I wasn't really paying attention, just going through the motions of moving in the line, and when my turn came, I moved on up to the counter and got out my debit card.

As I was fumbling around with my wallet, I heard the cashier sigh heavily and slam a few things out of the basket. I looked up, and all of the sudden, she flipped my basket over on its side with a huge grunt, starting raking stuff out, and then she flipped the darn thing completely upside down. Stuff was rolling everywhere, including glass bottles that were spinning and slamming into the sides of the conveyor platform. I was so stunned I couldn't speak.

Now normally I do unload my basket, but really, does it matter? I mean, either way, she has to pick up my items and scan them, yes? So, sorry, Jessica of Target 280. Didn't mean to put you out. But she better be glad my pickle jar didn't bust everywhere.

Creepy

I took this photo a couple weeks ago when my sister was in town. We were sending a picture message to my brother to see if he liked this shirt because we were trying to decide between it and another one for him. When I took the picture, my phone display only showed the shirt, but when I flipped open my phone, I started laughing. This is just funny to me. Laurie's eyes look so creepy!

Flip Flop Slop

I'll post the most creative suggestion for a title.

Here's the deal. Below is a picture of my new (and cheap!) sandals from Old Navy. I got them at the beach. They're lovely, no?


As you can see, they don't offer much support and little distance between my feet and the ground. No biggie.

Except, as we were strolling around Pier Park at the beach last weekend, I stepped on an uneven part of the pavement, my right foot slipped off the shoe a bit, and my toe sunk into something moist and cold. And when I looked down, I saw that my big toe was encased in a cold slice of pizza someone had dropped on the ground.

People Have Nerve!

I really can't decide who is dumber here: the woman injured by her thong or the lawyer who took her case.

http://www.usmagazine.com/woman-suing-victorias-secret-over-defective-thong+

My favorite part of the Today show interview was when Meredith asked the lady if it was the first time she had worn the thong, or if perhaps it wasn't, and the metal piece had come loose after being washed a few times. Marcrida replied, "No, Meredith, it wasn't the first time, but I have a lot of underwear from Victoria's Secret, and so I had only worn this particular pair a few times."

I'll try to fix the hyperlink from home later.

See Ya Real Soon

I'm at the beach, and I forgot my camera cord. So, nothing till I get back home. But the best news of all is, I'm now posting on my brand-new MacBook!!



photo taken with my phone

Does this only happen in the South?

Because, man, once it gets hot here, out come the gross nasty feet on the dashboard! Ew. Just, ew.

Chick Jealousy

Dude. Does this woman ever have a bad day? I think la Gwen is so glam. I love her. Maybe a little more than is healthy. But, never do anything halfway I always say!

Missed Me, Missed Me

Now ya gotta kiss me.

Sorry.

I always take things one step too far.

I'm back and better than ever. Well. That's a lie, but I am back. I'm actually worse than ever because I'm temporarily unable to upload photos. Hence, the stolen Web pics. I'm working on it. Till then, we're back to blog phase 1 postings, sans photographs. Please don't make fun, Bo.

But I know all you guys really want to see is my witty and charming written word. Yeah.

Help Me Find the Music

So I really dug (digged?) the music in What Happens in Vegas..., but to my dismay (bad luck! misfortune! get the Vegas play?) the movie studio didn't release a soundtrack. Sigh. Followed by much. heavier. sigh. I was able to track down one song, Love by Matt White, but I'll give lots of free blog love to anyone who can find me a comprehensive list. Go!

Just Stop It!

This never-ending trend of big-busted and pregnant (ew, seriously?) women refusing to wear bras? It has to stop. Please. For the love. It's not flattering, and I know it's not comfortable. And, really, Ash, how could you ever make fun of the Britster and then go and pull this? Pot, meet kettle.



photo courtesy of usmagazine.com

Bear With Me!

I'll be back. (In my mind, I said that the way Ah-nold does.) Soon, I promise! Thanks for not being snarky.

Busted

I forgot to turn down the volume on my cell phone after I got back from an errand, and several of my coworkers were just treated to a rather loud ringtone of Fergie's Glamorous. (This means it was my sister calling. Those of you who know her know this is an appropriate ringtone for her.) She always calls me on my cell phone when I'm at work. Sister, do you hear me? Stop doing that! Because sometimes your sister turns into a flake and forgets to set the EnV to silent mode and then the whole darn office hears me fumbling around trying to turn that volume down NOW! It made Libby laugh pretty hard, and I'm sure it was a pity laugh. As in, "I can't believe you have that song as your ringtone" kind of laugh.

17 is Enough

The Today show just did a teaser about that lunatic family with 17 children. Evidently they are spending Mother's Day weekend in NYC, and they have a "big announcement" (that's a direct quote, Amy, not air quotes...don't worry!). I swear, if that woman is pregnant again, I'll...I don't know what. But I'll be mad.

Thursday Night TV

If you don't watch The Office, you're dumb. Go here for a recap.

Lost & Found

I haven't seen a full-size Green Apple Jolly Rancher in years. Normally, I'm not a big candy fan, I just love chocolate. But these I can't resist. I bought a bag of miniatures a few weeks ago, and there was only one Green Apple in the whole bag! So wrong. When I finished this, I had a green tongue. I tried to take a picture, but it was gross, so I spared you all.

Blast From the Past

And then I had dinner with Leah and Heinz; Katie, Justin, and Luke; and, for a brief moment, Sean. The flash on my camera was melting Luke's smile.

So Many [Cute] Babies, So Little Time

Now if this face doesn't make you want to play hooky from work, your heart is made of stone.



I had lunch with Julia and her sweet baby on Tuesday. The verdict: Total charmer. He turned on that smile every time I looked at him. And he has a better tan than I do.

PS Julia totally had on a green shirt too. And she was carrying a green diaper bag.

Yes, Thank You. Very Helpful

Conversation between me and the Smoothie King girl after I notice there is a new flavor, Pomegranate Punch, which is making me rethink my usual Angel Food, hold the turbinado.

me: Is the new Pomegranate Punch flavor good?

SK girl: Yeah. I mean, if you like pomegranates.

As Sean pointed out, that's like asking a waiter if the burger is good and he responds, "Yeah, if you like ground beef."

And, I DO like pomegranates. Love them, actually. However, I did not love the new flavor. It was at first very sweet followed with a mouth-puckering tart taste. Too syrupy tasting for me. I prefer the lighter flavors of strawberry and banana.

Please Vote

It has recently come to my attention that every one is not as enamored with Usher's new song as I am. Of course, I am also a big fan of Young Jeezy, so this song had to be a winner. So, what do you think about "Love in This Club"?

Obligatory Culinary Shots

Katie, I almost forgot. I know you love it when I post pictures of my food.

Delicious fried cheese with capers in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Mmmmmm.


And delicious chocolate mousse and Vietnemese coffee at the Vietnemese restaurant in Corpus Christi, appropriately named Vietnemese Restaurant. I'd never had this before but it's so, so good. Our waiter brought a mug filled halfway with sweetened condensed milk, over which espresso was being brewed. When finished, I stirred the coffee and milk together and then poured it over ice. I probably clogged three or four arteries, but it was kind of worth it.

Chicken/Egg

Here's something I need help with, readers.

Why is it that eggs are full of cholesterol and, as of this month, not that great for you. But chicken (certain parts) is one of the leanest meats around?

I need someone smart to explain this to me. K? Thanks.

Welcome to Corpus Christi

There ain't a whole lot in this town, folks. Except the headquarters for Whataburger. But the Gulf was pretty and our photo shoot went really, really well.

The awesome house we shot. *I should clarify that these are not the professional styled shots, but ones I took after the fact. Laurey and Scott's work looks much more amazing.




We walked out on this jetty into the water. I totally thought it looped back around in front of our hotel. And it did. There was just 50 feet or so between a point where the jetty dropped off into the water and where it picked up again. So Laurey and I turned around and walked back the way we came.




And the view from our hotel.

Yoda lay, Yoda lay, Yoda Yee Hoo

And then it was off to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a long weekend. The weather was lovely and the company even better. I only got mildly freaked out in the hot tub the first night after realizing that we were on the ground floor in the open air and any one could slice and dice us and no one would hear our screams.




I also saw a wild turkey and a real drive-in. Both cool.

Goodbye to You

A lot going on here lately, what with work, work trips, and the very last finals for Sean! Gonna do a series of posts with a few pics because I don't have the patience to sit here and load a slideshow!

We had a going away party for Cindy a couple of weeks ago. She left us for the wide open spaces of Texas. San Antonio to be exact. I didn't get many pics at the party because I was too busy holding Luke, who, as you can see, partied like a rock star.

There was also a going away party for Sara, who left us for aqua waters and balmy breezes on the coast. She is technically only a hallway and a building away, but her work trips are going to be much more exotic now.

I Don't Want to Live Here

How does the last image in this slideshow help you want to buy this house?

http://www.birmingham-mls-search.com/listing-378328.php

Know what it says to me?

It says this home will never be completely cat hair-free. If I moved in I would probably be subjected to some awful, horrible allergy attack and wake up dead. The end. So, no thanks.