Inner Peace

Um, what the heck are "New Age Beverages?" They sound illegal and highly habit forming. This is the aisle sign I saw at Bruno's today.

Hooray!

My little brother got hired by the Columbus (GA) Fire Department today! This is the career he really wants, and he's worked and trained super hard to achieve his goal. I'm going to pretend like I'm not freaked out (just a little!) because we need good firemen and I shouldn't be selfish. Congratulations, Zach. And remember, only you can prevent wildfires.

My Buddy

Luke and I got in a little quality time last week. He loves me very much. Isn't that why babies spit up on you? Right?

Georgia vs. Auburn

Kids Say the Darndest Things

Yesterday, while I was in Columbus, the kids my sister, brother, and I have babysat and half-raised walked into the same restaurant where we were eating lunch. Kennedy, my not-so-secret favorite, was patiently putting up with my tight hugs and hundreds of kisses. I finally said, "I can't believe this! I haven't seen you in so long!" He looked at me, kind of rolled his eyes, and said, "Well, I've really just had a lot going on."

Gotta say, it kind of hurt my feelings a little bit that a 7-year-old is too busy for me!

Well, Well, Well

Looks like we did it again. 45 to 20.

Pictures to come. I took a bunch. The black jerseys were awesome. I didn't get into any fights this year, and I still have my voice. It went away last night but is back today. And my dad totally let me rack up at the bookstore. Sweet.

I'm So Immature

So tonight I went to hot yoga with Sara for the first time. You do regular yoga in a room that's heated to 85 degrees. During a particularly hard pose, where our butts were in the air and then more advanced people went into a headstand, a man (I'm assuming) let out a little pffft. That is my worst nightmare! Everyone but me, of course, carried on business as usual. I giggled like a 12-year-old.

And at the end, during the relaxation period, someone fell asleep and started snoring. ha ha ha. I don't know if I can go back!

Jammin'

These aren't exactly opinions, but I thought I'd let you know the last couple of songs I downloaded off iTunes. I guess that means, in my opinion, that these are good songs.

1. 4 In the Morning (Gwen Stefani)
2. If Looks Could Kill (Camera Obscura...thanks, Brooke!)
3. Stronger (Kanye West)
4. California (Phantom Planet)
5. Fall (Clay Walker)
6. So Small (Carrie Underwood...I know, I know)
7. Apologize (Timbaland)
8. Never Wanted Nothing More (Kenny Chesney...mmm, love him)
9. Pre-purchased the new Killers CD

What does this mix say about me? I lose points for titling this post "Jammin'" don't I?

The Golden Gate Bridge

This structure is magnificent! Thanks to the sweet man who took our photo and perfectly captured the pooch my shirt and the wind are making. That's my story.

Lovely Napa

It truly is like a postcard. Enjoy. I hope to post a slideshow soon, but I want to use iPhoto and that's only available at work.

Still Rocking the Lincoln Park After Dark

That's right. I went all the way to Cali for a pedi. It was fantastic. Brooke and I went for the long pedicure. The only odd thing was the drill-like tool they used on our feet. Huh.

Anyway, don't I look wildly relaxed? I wasn't even thinking about work. I'd had too much three-cheese fondue at this great French place around the corner. Course after the pedi I did something very Alabama: I wore those fake flip-flops right on into Wal-Mart...with my jeans rolled halfway up my legs. Hey, it was raining!

Ready for Christmas!

I can't wait to put out all my Christmas stuff! I even got a few new things this week. This is my absolute favorite holiday. And, of course, I already have one tree up (as you know). This is a photo of the wreath I'm going to make soon. We ran it in one of our magazines. I bought more traditional colors for the wrapping paper. I'll post a photo of the finished product.

Serial Killer

Check this dude out. I snapped his photo with my camera phone because I thought he was sketchy, and I thought if I saw him on Crime Stoppers later I could turn him in. He was at the bar at Coles Chop House in Napa, and he just drank this scotch (?) and left. It was just weird because of the way he was staring at everyone, yet he was all alone. So creepy.

Georgia/Florida

I'm back...I'm not even going to be subtle. We killed the Gators last Saturday, and it was so awesome. Brooke and I celebrated with s'mores. I think even she was happy for the Dawgs!! Good way to start the trip. Who doesn't hate the Florida Gators?!?

Sorry, Guys!

Been out of town since Friday. I promise to post great photos soon!

Let Me Address the Fanny Pack

Brooke posted a question in the comments section of the last post, and I feel the need to answer her in an actual post for fear that everyone won't see my thoughts on this subject.

Fanny packs are NEVER EVER a good choice, designer or not. A spade's a spade, so let's call it.

Remember the skinny jeans? They only looked good on, like, 12 people. But fanny packs? Have you ever seen them look "good" on anyone? I think not.

My suggestion: a backpack. It's a more appropriate choice. And it holds more. If you're just toting around money, and you worry about someone unzipping you from behind and running away with all your cash, then get one of those little money things that straps on under your clothes. Now, will you look silly trying to get out your money in public? Sure. But I still think the fanny pack is worse.

Let's get real. Very few women actually need the pooch that a fanny pack adds.

Just for You, Bo

Hey, Bo. I'm sorry to hear you didn't think my blog was very good because there are no pictures. I don't have any cute babies or children living at my house like your Aunt Katie. But, here are a few pictures I do have. I hope you like them.

Clockwise from top, left: me with my cousin Jessica; me with Sean; my sister, Laurie, with my brother, Zach; me with my cousin Caitlyn; and me with my brother.

I'm wearing the same shirt in most of them because we took these one night at the beach.

Yes, I'm a Loser

I know, I know. I'm disappointed in myself too. It's crunch time, people. I am so busy at work, and in addition to my regular job, I have four stories due next week; a hair appointment; a meeting for some volunteer stuff; work to do for the volunteer stuff; I'm leaving for more than a week on Friday; and I'm trying to get ready for a big holiday show, so I'm making ornaments like crazy. Once I leave for California on Friday, I won't have time to make any more before the show the next Thursday.

And now, a five-year-old has criticized my blog. I mean, if I can't please a kid, what hope is there? Yes, Bo, lately my blog has been a rip-off. Sigh.

It's going to get better. I promise.

Fashion Police

Y'all. I really almost rolled right off the treadmill when I saw this last night.

I was trying to get in a short workout before my class at the Y, just walking along, listening to a little Kenny Chesney on my iPod, when this tiny man caught my eye.

By "tiny," I mean he wasn't anywhere near 5 feet tall.

He was wearing a little black shirt that had been cut off above the waist. And some short hot pink shorts. I mean Nair commercial we-wear-short-shorts short. Seriously, he looked like Richard Simmons's kid, only much older, and without the hair.

This man was fo' real about his fitness. His waist was cinched real tight with one of those exercise belts. And, bless his heart, he stayed in the Mystic Tan booth one session too many.

I think the Y is gonna have to start enforcing a dress code because there are just too many folks out there with no home training. Remember the elementary school rule that stated that the hem of your skirt/shorts had to be below your fingertips? That doesn't seem so lame anymore.

FYI

I bought Berry Burst Cheerios at Super Target Tuesday night. $3.19. Take that, Publix. Now, is this a huge difference from $4? No, not really. But $.81 is $.81. Back in third grade, that would've bought lunch with six pennies to spare.

The Cleaning Lady is Packin' Heat

We have a fairly new lady on the cleaning staff at work. She empties the trash cans every night, and she starts pretty early (a little before 5) so I am usually at work when she comes by. She's very nice and friendly.

Tonight when she came down the hallway, however, she was loudly chatting on her Bluetooth about some strange men that she had seen around her home. And then I hear her say this.

"I got protection, and it ain't where I can't get to it. I got a license to carry it. Don't be messin' with me. I've been having one since I worked at the service station."

Ummmm...the cleaning lady has a gun.

I think she thought the place was empty, but a couple of my coworkers heard her too. We're gonna develop a little neighborhood watch. I mean, this lady seems really nice, but if she's packin' heat, I don't want to tick her off. She sounded serious on the phone. I think she was embarrassed that we heard her, but I got the message.

Besides, I'd have no way to defend myself. I've only shot a gun once, an itty-bitty Colt .45, and I didn't like it. Guns scare me. And now the cleaning lady scares me too.

Disclaimer: This story is actually more amusing than scary. I do not think guns are funny. But the thought of this little old lady (who, as our intern said, looks a lot like Harriet from "Family Matters") trying to shoot some sketchy men loitering outside her house is quite a mental image.

Pretty Cool

I was watching Private Practice the other night, and one of the actresses was totally carrying the same purse I have! I feel so stylish right now. I can't take full credit, though, because my sister actually found this purse and bought it. Then she decided it was too big and heavy. Now it's mine. I love nothing more than a huge bag to tote around all my stuff. It's heavy, yes, but I make some serious sacrifices for fashion. I switch arms, too, because I'm pretty sure I get a good workout carrying this purse.

A Few Thoughts

I haven't really been giving my opinions about much lately, and because that is the name of the blog, I figured I should. And also I don't have much else to blog about right now. Here goes. (And, yeah, some of these are more random musings than opinions. Deal.)

1. I continue to see grown men at the Y in biker shorts and t-shirts. I think this is wrong. Please stop it.
2. LSU deserved to win last night. Because I hate Florida. I wore a purple shirt yesterday.
3. It's really dumb that the weather in October is the same as the weather in August. It makes me grumpy.
4. I bought some leggings to wear this fall but I really am not sure I should bust them out. Ever.
5. I think that show "Rules of Engagement" is pretty funny. I am getting tired of Grey's Anatomy.
6. The new "improved" version of Blueberry Morning is not tasty. Post has messed up my favorite cereal.
7. I've started eating Berry Burst Cheerios instead. They are delicious. I only buy them at Wal-Mart, though, because Publix is charging $4, and this is too much to pay for cereal.

Reunited...and It Feels So Good

Well, praise the Lord Jesus. Britney has called in her mama for support. I think we can all agree that this is a good thing. Brit's a nut, and that girl needs a serious talking-to. And nobody can do that like mama can. People is reporting that she "really needed her mom." Duh. We've all been knowin' this for months.

Confession

I'm going to admit something. I totally still have a Christmas tree up. That's right. Yeah, you think it's ridiculous but, I swear, seems like I put it up just yesterday.

This isn't a live tree. It's not in my living room or anything. Last year I got a little (snicker) behind putting up decorations. I go overboard at Christmastime (stop snorting, I know I'm predictable) so the clean-up is a real chore. I was out of room to store stuff, it was cold and dreary outside, and, to be honest, I really just didn't feel like undoing the elaborate tree in my bedroom. So it's still there.

I kept meaning to put it away, but I just never did. And you know what? I'm not taking it down now either. It's October--only about six weeks before I'd drag it all out again. What a waste of energy. And it's decorated in lime green and black, the same colors as the bedroom, so it's not too Christmasy. Except for the whole "Christmas tree" part. Oh, and the glittery silver tree ornaments. Besides, I haven't plugged it in since December 2006. I mean, please. I'm not a total freak.

Tripped Up

Okay. This is rather embarrassing. On the way home from Athens Sunday, I stopped at a QT for some gas. After I got the pump going, I stepped over the hose and put my debit card back inside the car. For some reason I was going to look at something on the back of my car, and as I went to step over the hose again, I got tangled in it somehow. I don't know what happened, but I couldn't seem to get both feet over the hose. I did the less-than-graceful almost-fall, bent at the waist with arms midair, then I kind of skipped with the caught leg high up in the air behind me. You know exactly what I'm talking about. Then I looked around to see who caught my move. Some dude totally saw me. I briefly made eye contact, then crouched down and pretended to be really interested in tightening the "G" plug on my trailer hitch.

This was a low point. Total humiliation.

Too Cute!

Okay, I know this isn't a normal post, but how cute is this gown and diaper bag my sister monogrammed? We're going to a baby shower Friday night. The baby's name is going to be Hill, which is a family name, and I really like it.

I bought a hot pink shirt at Target Sunday, and I'm going to have Laurie monogram it for me. I'm trying to decide if I want a three-letter black monogram or just an "S" with circles around it, probably in turquoise to match a necklace I already have. Feel free to post your vote. Do not feel free to make fun of me for my addiction.

Excellent Weekend

Except for the sun beating down on my back, which left a burn in the shape of the keyhole cutout on my shirt, Saturday was a great football day.

Back to the burn. After the game we went out for pizza, and later we ended up at the Athens mall. Still wearing my game-day clothes and tattoo, I was minding my own business, looking around at The Gap. And then the sales associates, while laughing, point to me and say to my sister, "That's a funny looking burn on her back."

Actually, I don't know what they said. My sister just turned to me while we were trying on jeans and said, "Those girls are laughing at your sunburn."

Hmph. There will be NO photos of the burn. See previous post for a look at the haircut.

Look Who I Had Lunch With

On Friday Julia and I met Katie and Luke for lunch. It's too bad Luke isn't old enough to try one of Little Professor's delicious cheeseburgers just yet, but I think he had fun anyway. That's what I gathered from all the drool on his shirt.

Disclaimer: The orange shirt is in honor of fall approaching. The color in no way endorses any SEC team. I'm all red and black on the inside.

Hello, Posh, Sir

Well I got a hair cut Wednesday during lunch, and I think it's a teeny bit short. I know that in a week or so it will be grown in better, and my hair grows super-fast anyway, but for now I'm feeling a little less Posh Spice, a little more Boy Posh. I don't think we need a photo here because I feel a little odd about taking another shot of myself and my hair, but I'm just sayin'.

Totally unrelated: While I'm still enamored with After Dark in Lincoln Park, you really can't lapse on the pedicures with this color. It starts to chip and it's really noticeable and then it looks like Britney Spears's nails always do: nasty.

Seat Belt Chafing

My only complaint about my (sort of) new car is the seat belt. It is attached to the seat, not the side of the car, so it can't be adjusted, and the edge of it rubs my neck. It really kind of hurts. I usually just stretch my shirt up over my neck, which looks ridiculous but stops the pain.

Not anymore.

Yesterday on the way back to work after lunch, I saw an old couple driving by in their Caddy. The old lady had this big pad/cushion thing that wrapped around her seat belt, preventing it from cutting into her neck.

Brilliant. Wouldn't I look so cool with one of those? Anybody know where to buy old-people car accessories? No telling what else is out there! And I'm totally sure I could get it monogrammed. Score.

Boys Are Weird

Last night we went to a party for a friend. Somehow Sean and two other guys started talking about losing weight and, before I knew it, they had hammered out a little bet. They are weighing in this Monday. The next weigh-in will be January 7, I think, and they are judging by percentage of weight lost, not actual pounds.

The winner gets dinner for himself and his spouse, paid for by the two losers who didn't lose quite enough. I have no problem with this bet because, either way, I'm going out with friends.

But here's the kicker. They were going to weigh in after church this Sunday, and one of the guys was bringing a scale with him. This in itself was funny enough, but now one guy won't be there on Sunday, so they are meeting at a BP station Monday morning and bringing the scale. I swear, I've really got to go so I can get a photo of this.

Surely there is an easier way.

Solicitation

Yesterday I stopped at a gas station by Wildwood (an area down the road from work) before heading over to The Hob to kill time before a party I was going to. I pretty much know to avoid Wildwood after dark, especially Wal-Mart (or during the day, for that matter), but it was only 6:15 and still light out. Besides, I was running on fumes so I really had no choice.

Anyway, as I swiped my debit card, I could hear this lady on the other side of my pump telling some mumbling dude, "No." And then, with an overwhelming feeling of dread, I realized the dude was asking for money. Except he was pretending he wasn't. He approached me next, and his first statement was, "I'm not asking for any money." But he did want me to pump gas into his Buick while he washed my windshield. Okay? Because that's different from flat-out asking, I suppose.

I said no. And I sort of feel bad because he was young and seemed innocent and he really did have a Buick at a pump nearby—and he gave me a "God bless you, ma'am" even after I said no. But I just didn't believe him. What? He got all the to the pump and suddenly realized he was out of gas and money? I don't think so. After he walked away I heard some lady with an accent yelling, "I call the police!" But I didn't see her and I don't know who she was yelling at. The next person the dude approached clearly had a heart, and he got a few dollars.

I clicked off the pump at $15 and drove to the safety of the crafts store. And, yeah, I checked the rearview mirror. Twice.

Ouch, That Was Flesh

Today I snipped my skin with a pair of scissors. It really hurt! But it didn't even draw blood, so I feel a little bit like a weenie. I might wear a Band-Aid just for show. It sure felt like there should have been blood.

Oh, and I have a little blister on my thumb, from flicking my cigarette lighter so many times. Don't worry, I'm not a smoker. I was burning the ends of ribbon to avoid fraying. I did put a Band-Aid on that.

I'm such a wuss.

My Monogrammed Car

I finally got my decal on. Ha ha. Some of you probably think I've finally gone over the edge, but I love it! I hope it isn't crooked; I put the sticker on straight (I'm so anal about this), but the monogram font itself isn't straight, so I think it looks like it's supposed to. These are all over my hometown now, but I think I'm the first in B'ham. A trendsetter, I am. So, here's a close-up and one a little farther back. (Did I use that correctly? I have a hard time with "further" and "farther.")

Notice the Bill Heard sign is crooked. I actually lose sleep over this. I mean, how hard can it be to stick that thing on straight?

GO DAWGS!

Here we go. It seems like everyone in town is heading to Tuscaloosa today. My brother and his friend spent last night with us, and they are heading down there now. The UGA team stayed up the street from us. I wish I'd remembered this last night because I would have made plans to stalk them. I'm watching the game from the privacy (and enemy-free safety) of my own home. There will probably be pizza. Don't call me after 6:45pm.

Thought of Another Time

I've had one other bad experience with a truck driver. On my way back to school once, I was stuck in some traffic just north of Atlanta. I needed to get over because my lane was going to close, so I put on my blinker. There was an open spot and I had a fairly small car, so I slid in. Well, evidently some trucker was waiting to get in that spot, and he thought I took it from him on purpose. My sunroof was open, and he hung out that truck window and starting cussing me up and down. It was actually very terrifying. I got mad and called, who else, my dad. He told me to get him the truck company's number. So I made a big production of pulling alongside this guy in traffic (sunroof now closed) and pulling out my pen and paper with a flourish. I wrote down a number from the mudflaps.

My dad called the number and lit in to some supervisor about what had happened. After he took a breath, the guy on the other line said, "Sir, we just manufacture the mudflaps for that trucking company, but I'm very sorry for what happened. Is your daughter okay?" Ha ha. Oops.

A Semi Tried to Run Me Over

That's right. Heading home last night, I was in a far left lane to turn, you guessed it, left. There was a semi next to me, also turning left. When the light changed (you can see where this is going), we both turned. But before I could get very far going straight, the truck was moving over to my lane. There's no way the driver thought he had room to do this. I was right beside him. He was coming over at an angle, and I was forced to slam on the brakes to avoid being hit by the entire back half of his truck. I was so mad (and scared). I laid on the horn, and as I passed him, he looked at me, and then pulled on the cord to honk his horn. Whatev, dude. I know he didn't. Then he started YELLING at me. I couldn't hear what he said, but I had to sit next to him at another red light waiting to get on I65. Then I hightailed it outta there.

Muchos Tacos, Por Favor

Last night we went to Taco Casa for dinner. We walked in just in time to hear the guy behind the counter give this really young couple their total: $73 and some change.

Excuse me?

I remember being a little shocked when a male coworker went to lunch with us girls a few years ago and his total was $12. I mean, TC is a place where you can order lunch and get change from your $5.

Back to my story. These people had ordered 75 tacos. Seventy-five tacos. Unbelievable. Such bad timing. And, oh Lord, she was paying with cash and a credit card. But it gets worse.

We sat down and waited TWENTY minutes (this is fast food, people)! Finally we stopped talking long enough to look around and realize the 75-tacos couple was gone, and another couple who came in after us was throwing away their trash. And another man at the counter was getting his to-go order.

They lost our order. But we got a free bag of sopapillas, so I got over it.

Showering the Babies

We had a baby shower for Julia last week. It was a lot of fun and, as always, we had great food. Here are a few pictures. I kind of hogged Luke the whole time but I just couldn't help it. The kid loves me. And don't you worry about that mullet. I'm getting my hair cut next Thursday. And here is a picture of me, Julia, and Layton. He's really excited about becoming a big brother! And, of course, a shot of our two newest moms: Libby with Jack and Katie with Luke.

A Couple Photos

These are from the new camera. Here are Laurie and I at the UGA/South Carolina game and Laurie, Zach, and I at the beach. I haven't really taken too many pictures yet, but this is to prove that I did get a camera for my birthday!

Oh, Mindy. What Happened?

Poor Mindy McCready. Just a few years ago she was topping the country music charts and engaged to Dean Cain. She seemed so sweet and cute.

Then, a bunch of crap happened. And her crazy boyfriend/baby daddy tried to kill her.

And now she's going to prison for one year. She violated her probation, which stemmed from a little prescription she forged back in 2004. Girlfriend looks rough too. Just check out her mug on TMZ.

She needs 10,000 angels. (Remember that song?)

Return of the Rednecks

Oh I can't believe I keep forgetting to post about this.

At the beach a couple of weeks ago, my family and I had an unfortunate view of the ickiest makeout session ever. This couple was total redneck all the way. Here's why.

1. She sported the requisite bleached blonde hair with extra dark roots, curly in a way that says, "I've been letting my perm grow out for a good six months." (I seriously think this must cost extra because what hairstylist in her right mind lets someone walk out looking like this?) And why do these women always pull their hair in a too-high ponytail and secure it with a scrunchie? A scrunchie?

2. He had the permed mullet going on.

3. They were both enjoying a beer wrapped in one of those NASCAR koozies that's shaped like a bottle and zips up the side. Neon orange.

4. He was way skinny and favored cut-off blue jean shorts instead of a bathing suit. Okay, this is never a good look, guys. Ever.

5. She was much plumper, definitely too plump for that skin-baring bikini she wore. But the enormous tattoo on her forearm was lovely.

6. They were for real making out in the pool. And she had her legs wrapped around him.

I hope you all ate dinner before you read this post. And I hope that dinner is still in your stomach. Just imagine the live show.

New Nail Polish

Random little post. I got a pedicure Thursday night, and I went with a totally different color than usual. I always get OPI Dutch Tulips, a nice red-pink color, but I've really been wanting to try one of the purplish-black colors. Only on my toes, though. I don't need that rock-star look on my hands. With a little help from Sara, I picked OPI After Dark in Lincoln Park. I love it!

I was going to take a picture and post for you guys to see, but then I decided a photo of my toes was kind of gross. Yes?

Hair Die

This happened to me a few weeks ago while I was in Columbus. I went to Wal-mart to return something. I pulled into a parking space, got out of the car, and walked around to the other side to get out my return. And there I saw it. I was parked on top of someone's really bad wig/weave/something. I'm talking Britney bad. I mean, how does one lose a whole head of hair in the parking lot and not even notice. And, also, how did it happen? Was there a big girl fight over something from the bargain bin? And how come no one grabbed this poor girl's hair for her?

I'm SO Fired

Okay, to appease my friends (Katie!) who are giving me such a hard time, I'm posting at work. I'll probably lose my job, but at least my blog readers will be happy. Priority number one, no?

Before we went to the game in Athens on Saturday, we stopped at a clothing store in Atlanta. It was the first anniversary of the shop's opening, so the owner had cupcakes, Champagne, and 15% off all day. There are only two dressing rooms and there was a long wait, so my sister and I went in together. I had just gotten a little plastic cup of Champagne, and as I walked into the dressing room, I dumped some of it down my shirt. Nice. I smelled like I'd already been tailgating for hours.

Anyway, finished trying on the clothes, decided what I wanted to purchase, and as I was walking out of the dressing room, I turned the cup upside down and spilled the rest of the Champagne. OMG. I looked like a total drunk! But I never actually drank anything.

Likely story, those shoppers probably thought.

That's all for now. Sniff. I think I'm getting a cold.

Ready for Kick-off

We sold our tickets and are watching the UGA/OK State game down here. We're not even going out for seafood tonight. It's pizza at Frankie D's across the street, then back to our respective condos. We have to eat at, like, 5:00. That way, in case we, well, you know, don't win, we don't have to get out and see people. I'm serious.

We don't mingle for the games. The Rickey Gibsons and the Ken Gibsons (my dad & family and my uncle & family) do not watch with other people, especially if there are children present. We need quiet. We have to focus. And we have to stay away from those other members of our family, otherwise known as Auburn fans. Mostly they married in. I have one cousin who is a defector, and she's taking her two kids down with her. Oh, and my cousin's new girlfriend graduated from Florida. Boo. Hiss. Strike one. She better work hard to make up for that one.

Yes, We're ALL Together

I'm at the beach again, this time with TWENTY-SEVEN members of my family. Yes, we are that family. Four siblings and their spouses; eight adult cousins plus various spouses, boyfriends, and girlfriends; and six children. We are a sight. We're obnoxious to other people, I'm sure, but it's so fun. Because I'm childless, I thought it was a good idea to loan out my two spray bottles to the kids. We're very loud, and we all like goofing off in the pool. You know, we toss in kids, dunk adults, and push in anyone at the perimeter. We jump waves together in the ocean. My poor grandmother feels sure someone is going to get eaten by a shark. The kids are hopped up on sugar and the football smack talk is going strong.

And my oldest cousin brought his new girlfriend and her 3-year-old son. Bless her heart. I hope she's still around at Christmastime. We've had quite a few first-timers. Lots of them don't come back.

And I hope no one sees us mercilessly tossing little children into the pool and calls DFCS (dee-fax, as we Georgians say). Because the best argument probably isn't that the kids started it. Hey, they know how to swim. We're not that cruel.

Story Worth Waiting For

So, yes, it's been a week since my last post. I apologize. But I think this post will be enough to make up for it. Oh, yeah. It's good.

Yesterday I walked down from the pool to the ocean to get my parents' towels off the chairs they had rented. I recognized a towel I thought was my mom's, but there was a lady sitting on the chair. As I approached the chairs a man next to the lady started taking off his belt and unbuttoning his dress (!) pants. Then, oh dear Lord, he pulled them down. I saw white boxers. I was almost to the chairs...reaching for the towels. OH NO HE DIDN'T. Just as I grabbed the towels, in one motion he pulled down his pants and boxers, tugged on the bottom of his wife beater and tucked it under his naked bum, then set down on MY DAD'S CHAIR. He was changing into his bathing suit. And I saw crack. Ooooh, dude. Crack kills. I was mortified. The lady turned around and asked if these were my chairs. What, the monograms didn't give it away? They were European, I think. I grabbed the towels and ran.

It's darn hard to run barefoot through sand.

Monogram Hook-Up

Wow. So, if you guys thought I was crazy about monogrammed stuff before, wait till you see what my sister got me for my birthday. MONOGRAMMED CAR MATS! Ahh, yes, some might call this a sickness. I don't. I also got a decal for my car with my initials. Overboard, you ask? I don't think so. All the cool girls have them now, and I'm nothing if not cool. I'll take a picture once it's on my car.

Ohh, and here are the cherry Nick & Nora pajamas my brother got me. If you know the story about the pink pants he bought me 7 years ago, you might think he actually picked out these too. But I think he just gave my mom some money. Either way, I love them!


Ha ha. I love the celestial light above my head. (These photos weren't taken with the new camera.)

Flowers for Me

Aren't they pretty? I love sunflowers.

Big Money

While we were waiting for our table at Hot & Hot tonight, this obnoxious group gathered around the bar. They were loud in a showy, we-weren't-popular-in-high-school kind of way, and they were celebrating someone's birthday. It was an odd group: a couple, another girl and guy, and two more random, portly men. I was annoyed that they were blocking the boiled peanuts (boiled p-nuts for you natives) at the bar.

Anyway, one of the portly guys went to pay for the drinks, and he pulled out a wad of hundred dollar bills. A fat wad. I'm talking several thousand dollars, unless he had a bunch of ones underneath. He peeled off a hundred, passed it to the bartender, and then folded over the mound of money and secured it with a green rubber band. Yep, that's right. A rubber band. He even snapped it after the second wrap. Then he stuffed it back in his pocket with a flourish. Seriously. I can't get over it.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

Yesterday I put a few of my crafts on etsy.com, an online marketplace for craftspeople such as myself. The shop is a little cheesy, and I apologize in advance, but you've been warned. The pictures are bad, too, but I hope to remedy that after I get my new camera! I priced stuff pretty fairly, I think, based on what the shop in Columbus charges. You'll notice the infamous ornaments on there. This week I ransacked the AC Moore in Ft. Walton and Montgomery for plastic foam balls. I noticed their scrapbooking section has gotten even more awesome. I'm still SO sad that the B'ham one shut down. I pray for a new one every night. I don't ask for much.

If you are a crafty friend of mine (Leah!) you should go check it out and sell your own stuff! I'll heart your store (Etsy lingo).

My personal shop (that's right!) is www.stephaniemims.etsy.com.

Sweet Surprise

Someone made reservations at Hot & Hot for tomorrow night! I'm so excited! Countdown clock: 2 days. I have a work thing Thursday, though, so that's why we're going Wednesday.

Man, am I a dork or what?! But, in all fairness, I love celebrating other peoples' birthdays too.

Ants in My Cube

Grr. The ants have invaded my space. The little buggers are everywhere. I don't like ants. At all. I feel like they are constantly crawling up my legs, in my hair. One actually made it onto my finger earlier. Yech. I've been squirming all morning, popping my legs like a fed-up mom does her 3-year-old during church. (Wait, is that totally un-PC these
days?) I took to drowning them with citrus-scented Windex earlier, then I got ahold of some Raid.

Now I smell like the Orkin man.

Ever-So-Slight Road Rage

This morning, as I was rushing to re-enter the hectic working world—fresh from vacation, running late, of course—I sat impatiently at a light that refused to turn green. Once it did, I was ready to go. Threw down the lipstick and switched my foot to the gas. But the car in front of me, a white Buick, wasn't budging. The driver eased out, then stopped. This light is short, and I didn't have another four minutes to sit and wait, so I honked. The car hesitated once more, and then slooowly pulled out. I changed lanes to pass the Buick, and as I did, I got a good look at the driver.

I had honked at a nun.

Surely my spot in heaven has been sacrificed.

Heading Home Sweet Home

Well today was our last day in Destin. The weather has been perfect. The ocean, crystal clear with no seaweed. Yesterday's waves were really great for jumping and riding, but today it was too calm. On our way out to the pool today, we ran into a couple who goes to school with Sean. So weird. We finished up tonight with a lot of snow crab legs. Yum.

This couple who caught my attention yesterday in the pool sat by us today. The guy is pretty young, really tan, very cut, few tattoos. He's with a [much] older woman who has a teenage son, probably around 14. There was another couple with them; I think it was the woman's older son and his girlfriend. I decided the first couple met at the gym. Anyway, the pretty-boy boyfriend played a lot of catch with the youngest son. The problem was, neither of them could catch the football, and it kept skipping across the pool and splashing my pages of Harry Potter. A couple of times the kid overthrew the ball and almost hit me with it. [Sean was on high alert, ready to fight!]

I was really wishing I had a wand.

Okay, sorry for the boring post. Surely something exciting will happen next week!

Am I Cool?

This is my new beach hat. Like it? Sean said it was cute. He better not have been lying. My Ron Jon hat gave me a headache today, and I really needed a hat that shades my face a little better anyway. Prevent crow's feet! I didn't want one of those trendy cowboy hats because I think I'm too old for that, but this one (I hope) is a happy medium between the current trend and an old lady hat. Plus, this one is bendable, so I can sculpt it. I'm also wearing Sean's new aviator glasses. He got contacts, and therefore needed new sunglasses, so he's rockin' the old school look. He didn't want a picture, so I put them on instead.

We're having a blast!

PS Tonight my fish sandwich was totally normal sized!

Quite a Dinner

So for dinner our first night here in Destin, we went down to AJ's. I ordered a shrimp, scallop, and crawfish muffaletta, and Sean got an oyster po'boy. It's important for me to tell you that mine was around $11 and his was about $10. You'd think they'd be comparable, yes? You'd be wrong. The waitress warned me the muffaletta was big, but the proportion she showed with her hands looked equivalent to two regular white-bread sandwiches. Sean said he'd eat some, so I wasn't worried.



Here's the sandwich, before and after. It was beyond enormous. Sean estimated the diameter to be about 10 inches. TEN! Some lady and her daughter even walked over to ask me what it was. She said her husband told her that the look on my face was priceless. I was totally shocked! In the end, I gave up, took off the top, and ate the seafood and olive spread. But mostly I just laughed and endured the stares of everyone around me.

Bad Timing

Hey, you know when it's not a good time to drive down to the beach? During Alabama law enforcement's Take Back Our Highways week. Pretty much everyone was driving slower, except for some clueless out-of-towners. It's amazing how slow 70 mph feels when you actually have to drive 70 mph! We even slowed down to 45 mph through the construction in Montgomery. We really didn't see that many staked-out cops, just quite a few of them driving down I-65. (I say this although I slept a good bit of the drive.) We floored it as we crossed the Florida state line.

Run, Stephanie, Run

Ever had a day at work when you just wanted to bolt? Today (and yesterday, actually) was like that for me. Wow. I don't so much blog about work because I would be the one who gets fired and doesn't get a million-dollar book/movie deal, so I don't have any specifics for you. Just a long two days.

I left work at 8:30 and ran by Katie's house for a few minutes. Katie lives close to a Krystal, so on the way home I pulled through. Two cheese, no onion. Mmmm. That made (almost) everything better.

And the good news is I'm done. We're leaving for the beach tomorrow! I really don't care if I have to stay up all night packing. The coffee's already brewing.

Wish me sunny skies and cool breezes!

Kind of Funny

Last week, Sean dropped his cell phone in the toilet. Not exactly sure how this happened, but it's funny to me. Of course, that's because it happened to someone else. It's turned in to quite a little debacle, because neither of us knew about backing up address books. He lost everyone's numbers, and he doesn't have many of them memorized. For two days he left a message on his voicemail explaining the situation and asking callers to leave their numbers. The biggest problem was Saturday, when he was trying to figure out his mom's cell number so he could call her on her birthday. Me? I backed up my address book last night.

Wahhh. It's SO Hot

Oh. My Lord. It's hotter than the hinges of hell outside. I can barely force myself to go get the mail. There are loads of people at the pool right now, and even that sounds wretched. Someone once said that Southern women don't sweat, they glisten. Well then I'm shining brighter than a diamond. Gross. I'm posting now instead of doing what I need to do, which is run errands and go in to work for a little bit. I think I'm going to start living like a vampire and only go out at night. I'll sleep through this suffocating season, thank you very much.

Sharing My Love of Cherries

Can you tell I love cherries? I even named my sister's monogramming business The Cherry Zebra (love those too). And my current favorite store is Cherry Pie in Atlanta (www.cherrypieatl.com). I have more stuff, too, I just thought these photos proved my point enough. I'm weird.

UPDATE: Look at this awesome cherry bag I just found! http://www.wrapables.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=A54470&prodlist=nextag

Big Night Out

We had a good Saturday night. It started at Cantina, which was entirely empty except for us. So strange. Plenty of guacamole and sweet potato fries for me! Then we went to see Stardust. If you guys want my opinion--and if you don't, well, then why are you reading my blog--it was one of the best movies I've seen in awhile. I loved it! So did Sean, and he's a tougher critic than I am. Go see it!

Official Countdown

Well here we go. As of this past Thursday, there are only two weeks left before my birthday. If you are good friends w. me, you know this is big. I LOVE my birthday. It's just the best day ever. I think I've always been like this, and everyone indulges me. This is an especially big day, as I will be entering the last year of my twenties.

Yes, I know what you all must be thinking. 29? You look SO much younger. I know, I know. My kids will probably be so embarrassed when we're older and strangers mistake me for their older sister.

I hope (wink, wink) that someone is going to get me a digital camera. Then I can start posting w. lots of pictures. And, The Nanny Diaries comes out the day after my birthday, so some friends and I are going. I've been waiting for this movie since April, when the release date was pushed back. It better be good.

Katie, what does EW say?

Goin' Back to Cali

Woo hoo! I found THE best deal on airfare to California. I want to go visit in October, and the flight on Delta is less than $200. That's unbelievable! I hope the rates don't go up because my friend is currently in Thailand. I'm not totally sure on the rules here, but I think it might be rude to book a trip to your friend's house when she's out of the country. But ask me again next week, because if those rates do go up, I'm going to change my mind.

I Blew My Chance

So I got to thinking the other night, I totally gave up the chance to move to San Francisco.

See, SF is where Sean and I went on our honeymoon, and we fell in love. With the city. We were on that post-wedding high, so we made big plans for Sean to go to law school out West. Ahh, yes, it would be the life. But the reality was, it's a long, long way away from family, it's expensive, and--oh yeah--I needed a job. I totally chickened out. Sean would've gone, but I freaked.

But now, I think we should've done it. When else could we go so far and be so free. Eh, that's a little hokey, but you get the idea. If someone could promise us jobs that paid above the poverty line and guarantee me that the move was for a finite amount of time--say a year or two or even three--I'd be packed tomorrow.

And, so far, Sean and I have followed the path my parents did. Live in Georgia; get married; move to B'ham; move to Cali, have me; go back home. It's kind of like we have to do it, right?

Just So You Know

I have clearly lifted the freeze-out, but I'm not afraid to use it again. You've been warned. Didn't anyone read posts #1 and #8? I need acceptance people!

New Obsession

This blog is my current fave. It's titled "Oh Happy Day" (http://www.jordanferney.blogspot.com). I just love this blog! I stumbled across it the way I find most of my favorite blogs--linking then linking then linking again, probably while trying to avoid doing my job.

Anyway, this woman lives in San Francisco, and now I just want to live there! Can't you just see me, strolling down the sidewalk, carrying my yoga mat? Listening to Train and The Fray on my iPod? Eating granola and fat-free organic yogurt for breakfast. Living in a loft w. exposed brick walls and great views of the Golden Gate Bridge. I'd clearly have to grow out my new hair and switch completely to Bare Minerals makeup for that I'm-pretending-this-is-my-natural-glow look. I'd be so Zen, I swear. I'd recycle more too. And get a bike. With a basket. Oh! And a bell.

This blogger is clearly crafty, too, which is another reason I love the blog. But I get so jealous when she features some great boutique or cafe in San Fran. I want to live a fabulous tree-huggin' life too! Okay, okay. Maybe I'm not so much the tree-hugger, but I do love the fabulous!

You're Not Fooling Me...Or Even Trying

Okay. This is majorly irritating to me. (Yes, I am easily annoyed.) There are certain people--and don't think I don't have a clue who you are--who rummage through things on my desk. Sometimes I think perhaps they are legitimately looking for something they need, but um, it's still not okay for you to be digging through my papers, files, piles, or stacks. Nope, totally not justified. And, for the love, if you are going to rifle through my things, have the common sense to put things back the way you found them. I might have 24 stacks on my desk, but if you'll please pay attention, the stacks are very neat. No haphazard piling or papers turned every which way. And, seriously, I'm at work all the time. It can't wait?

Never mind. The people going through my things are the very ones I don't want to deal with face to face. Just pretend like you're trying to put things back the way you found them.

Observation

Huh. In a couple of the posts below, I've noticed something. I have some beady little eyes. I look like a sneak.

Punishment

Well, I was punishing you guys because I like comments, and my last four posts--FOUR posts, people!--have gone without a single one. Sigh. But it's been a week and a half, so I guess I've freezed you out long enough.

Just kidding. Really, I haven't had anything to blog about. I've been working 24-7 and spent a couple fun days in Atlanta for work.

Now, I have three full days off, and I'm not doing anything but making Christmas ornaments and cleaning the apartment. More about the crafts later. It's going to give you a little more insight as to just how insane I am.

Congrats to My Friend Katie

Baby Luke Daniel is here! Isn't he adorable?! I get to hold him tomorrow because Brooke and I are the only ones allowed to visit. Well, I kind of made that up, but it makes me feel special. Thanks to Katie's sister, Natalie, of Bo's blog (see link below). I stole the photo from her. And I'm hoping that because I just thanked her, she won't sue me for taking it without permission.

Look Closely

Brooke and I went to Cantina (surprise!) for lunch on Friday. I had enough stamps on my card for free quesadillas. Plus we got paid yesterday. Awesome day. So everything looks normal in the first photo, huh?


Look closer. Brooke's decided it would be cool for her to get a nose ring. Just a teeny tiny stud. Louis thinks she's too, ahem, old to pull it off. So I gave her a rhinestone sticker for a test run. It's very subtle. And a few people at work actually thought it was real. I thought I was being edgy with my new hair, but I'm no match for Brooke and her "stud"ly nose.

Three No More

Sigh. Today was the last day that Brooke, Katie, and I will ever be at work together. I was embarrassingly emotional about this, but I kept myself in check and teared up only at my desk. I'm out of the office Monday and Tuesday; Katie is going on maternity leave after Tuesday; and Brooke's last day is July 31. The only positives I see in this are the fact that I'll probably be an incredibly efficient employee now, and my bank account will probably see a little boost without my regular lunch partners. I'll probably lose weight, too, because I'll be too upset to eat.

Oh, who am I kidding?

New BLONDE 'Do

Thursday night my stylist gave me an asymetrical, textured bob that's trendy now. I'm happy with it. Bold new hair just before I hit the last year of my twenties. I know I look kind of silly in this picture, but I was in the car with my camera phone, trying to get a good shot to send to my mom and sister. I didn't really want to smile because I was afraid I'd look really vain if someone saw me. Although the fact that I was taking pictures of myself probably gave that away, especially combined with the pursed lips a la robotic Posh.

Do your business, Mind your business

Know what bugs more than anything? Well, maybe not anything, but this is a top five pet peeve. Stall talk. People at work who insist on talking to me over the bathroom stalls. Ew. Why do you do this? Sometimes it’s okay if it’s, like, my sister or something, but people at work, people I know only through work—nah uh. This is wrong. And weird.

Plus, when all the flushing starts, it’s impossible to hear, and that just makes the whole thing awkward. Talk. Tinkle. Talk. Flush. Pause. Repeat.

Gross.

I mean, if you want to catch up or talk shop, just stop by my desk. That’s cool, I’ll take a little break. But do not talk to me while you do your business. Especially if you ate beans for lunch, okay? Because, yes, I’m 12 years old and I’ll start to giggle. I think you get my drift.

Quest for the Perfect T

Bummer. My $3.50 T-shirt doesn't fit like the ones I had tried on before. (This really shouldn't surprise me. The perfect shirt is probably hidden in the racks at Saks, and they probably cost $49.50 each.) I have to take all of them back. The others were $5, but apparently pink wasn't a hot color, so it got marked down. Anyway. Why is it so hard to find a good T-shirt just to work out in? I like the Danskin ones, but the arms are kinda tight, and I look like a body builder when I wear them. I need help. Please, someone, where can I get a good T-shirt: a little fitted, somewhat stretchy, not super long, no cap sleeves. Help me!

No Drama

Well I haven't posted in a few days because nothing very interesting is going on in my life! I was going to make up something really exciting but even my creative juices aren't flowing. Maybe that's because I went to work at 7 this morning. Yep, those of you who know me well definitely read that right! Getting somewhere half-dressed and fairly alert that early is quite a feat for me. Hmm...what else? I got some new workout T-shirts at Walmart tonight, and one of them rang up for only $3.50. Just to show you how lame I am, let me tell you, that made my night. See? As Fergie sings, "No drama. No no drama."

I Don't Like...

Vanessa Minnillo. I don't really have a reason. And I just thought I'd share. It's my blog, so I can be ugly if I want to. Something about this girl just rubs me the wrong way. But I do love some Nick Lachey. Maybe my problem is raging jealousy?

I Want a Do-Over

So I'm off work this entire week, but we aren't going out of town till Wednesday. I had a good plan for Monday and Tuesday. Our pool is closed for maintenance on Mondays, so, even though it was super sunny and there was a light breeze, I followed the rules and chose to clean/clean out yesterday. I organized, mopped, scrubbed, etc., all before 11am. And then the power went out. And it stayed out. It got so hot inside. Not sure if that was the air or just my blood boiling. For some reason, I just couldn't focus. And even with the blinds open, it's too dark to continue organizing closets. I finally called AL Power. "Yes," the too-cheery automated voice tells me. "It looks like there's a problem in your area that may be affecting you." Yeah? Seems a tree has fallen on some lines. For some reason, this just infuriates me. She promises the power will be back on by 7pm. SEVEN! Meanwhile, I see loads of people heading up to the pool, and staying there. I guess they ignored the "pool closed" sign. And of course the office staff locked up when the power went out, so no one was there to send them away. I just stuck to my original plan of going to the pool all day today. But, as I type, it's gray and cloudy. Not even a hint of sun. I'd like to trade these vacation days for a couple different ones, maybe early August. You hear that, AL Power? Rain god?