No more apartment living

So, I'm tired of rehashing the last year. It's taking too long and I'm impatient.

Plus, there are so many other things going on in the present!

We are finally, finally, finally not living in an apartment anymore. YAY! I'm sure that we are a better couple for never being able to get further than 10 feet away from each other for 2.5 years, so there's that.

We're still renting, but we found the cutest little house and we've settled in for the next couple of years at least.

So, I give you the top things that make our new place better than our past apartments.

1. NO STAIRS!!!
We used to live on the THIRD floor. That means three flights of stairs everytime Mazie had to go out. Three flights of stairs with all of our groceries. Three flights of stairs when I forgot my Diet Coke in the mornings and had to run back up and get it. You get the picture.

2. NO FLOURESCENT LIGHTS!!!
They're so unflattering. Period.

3. CABINETS WITH PULLS!!!
We have actual cabinets that have actual hardware on them for opening and closing. No more of the plain-front stuff.

4. BACKYARD!!!
Mazie loves us more. Grilling. Firepit. And wait for it...s'mores.

5. GUEST ROOM!!!
My very nice Pottery Barn bedding from college has a place to call home again.

6. HARDWOOD FLOORS!!!
Be still my allergies.

I mean, these are just a few things. Can you tell I'm excited?

50

My sweet mama would have been 50 years old today.

I don't know if she would have wanted a big party for the milestone. She always made a big fuss (read: she was great at making you feel special and doted on) over others and their special days, and she usually didn't mind if we did the same for her. I'm imagining there would be turtle cheesecake involved and we'd all be somewhere near the water.

One thing I know for sure is that I don't think she would have been self-conscious about the big 5-0 and getting older.

She was settling into the 'empty-nest' phase of life quite well. She was having a grand time testing out the latest and greatest expensive anti-wrinkle creams with Italian names you couldn't prounounce. I think I still have some of it, because as I was cleaning out some of her stuff, I took one look at the price tag and couldn't bear to throw it away. Truth is, she was beautiful and didn't need the creams at all, I don't think I'm going to be so fortunate. (Good thing botox is more socially acceptable these days)

With me and K'Ann out of the house more, she also loved to find a couple of quiet hours at the beauty shop. If you knew her, you know that she'd also already been a brunette (natural), blonde, red-head, and a mixture of some of those a couple of times. Personally, I think red-head was one of my favorites...made her even more sassy than usual.

So, she was beautiful and had great hair. Obviously, she was much, much more. Her generous spirit was unmatched. She hurt for those who were hurting and gave to those who needed. She loved and loved and loved all of us, even when we didn't deserve it.

No one is perfect, but I consider myself lucky that I was able to call her 'mama' for 22 great years.

I thought I'd end by sharing something she actually wrote herself for her weekly column that I think gives a perfect glimpse of what she was like.

Unfortunately, she didn't get to experience some of what she wrote about, and neither did we, but she made her life count and we all love her for it and miss her.

A few acts of kindness made my day
By Eva Ann Dorris

April 18, 2006

The audience I spoke to last week may not remember everything I said, although they were a receptive group, but they surely will remember me as the lady that gave the shirt off her back, literally.

After speaking to the group and enjoying the relief that comes when people laugh at the right time, tear up when appropriate and ask questions with genuine interest, I sat down to enjoy lunch and interact with a group of teachers.

As we talked, one lady said “enough about the book, I want to know where you got that blouse,” referring to the one I was wearing. I told her I ordered it. She was disappointed because she hoped to be able to go buy one to wear the next day. I knew I could order another one without any trouble, so I told her if I could find something else to wear home, I would give her the shirt. I don’t even know this woman’s name, but thanks to a wind jacket scrunched under the seat of my truck, she went home with the shirt off my back. The other teachers at the table laughed and assured me the lucky teacher would be expected to share the shirt.

I could chalk the experience up to generosity and in a way it was, but I enjoy seeing people’s reactions when I do something so off the wall. Suddenly, I found a table of friends I didn’t have when I woke up that morning. We laughed; they promised to read my book; and I offered to come and talk to students or work with classes anytime. The ladies got a shirt, and I got an experience for a column.

The day before, another experience occurred worth sharing and hopefully inspiring. On a visit to my oncologist, I noticed a couple sitting close together, tightly holding hands and obviously terrified. When the man excused himself for a few moments, I couldn’t resist going over and sitting with the woman.

I was lucky. She could have told me to go away and mind my own business, but when I offered to allow her to hold my hand until her husband returned, she relaxed. She was there for an ultrasound due to a lump that showed up on her mammogram.
I didn’t offer her horror stories. I told her she was in the hands of the best doctors around. For her not to panic until she had the results; and even if the ultrasound was suspicious, she was still a long way from being diagnosed with cancer.
I told her to keep the faith. I offered up a prayer for her, and then my name was called and I left her sitting there alone.

Later that afternoon, the woman and her husband happened to walk by the pharmacy where I was waiting on a prescription. She had a huge grin on her face and gave me big thumbs up. A window was between us, but I could read her lips as she said, “thank you.”

Also this week, I received an e-mail from a reader who suffered though similar health problems as myself. She said reading my column each week was something she looked forward to and something that kept her from feeling so alone. She suffered mood swings and hot flashes and also has a teenage daughter. She’s afraid her daughter will only remember the irrational, moody, hormone-challenged mother. That has been my worry as well.

Without divulging her identify, I want to say to her and all women going through health issues that affect us physically and mentally to remember a few months are but a snap in time to our children. Try to explain to them you can’t help you aren’t yourself and apologize when you have enough wits about you to recognize you are being unreasonable.

It won’t take them long to forget these times, and by doing what has to be done now, whether it’s surgery, treatments and/or the abrupt cessation of hormones, you are fighting to be there years from now when they need you to pack and move them to yet another home, to plan a wedding, rock a grandbaby or perhaps hold them close when loss or life’s hurts invade.

So, another week has passed and I was able to bring laughter to over-worked school teachers, befriend a reader who felt alone and hold the hand of a stranger.
I’d say that’s about as good as it gets.

Thanks for reading

The year in Twitter continued

I left off with updating on our lives in October, so I'll pick up there.

October 2009
So, we went to Iowa for a wedding, and stopped in St. Louis on the way there and on the way back. Saw a Cardinals game! I didn't tweet much about the trip, b/c I fundamentally disagree with tweeting away while on vacation.

But there was this:

"Definitely just saw/met Prince Fielder at our hotel in St. Louis. Nice end to a great trip."

I also lamented how TLC is ruining families:

"Apparently TLC is where families go to self-destruct...the gosselins, the tuttles and now the roloffs."

We also saw Kings of Leon for the 6th time (yes, 6th) and it deserves two tweets:

"Frontier city!!! 6 shows without a b-side, but #kol is delivering tonight."

"I have seen more leggings and skinny jeans in one night than I ever thought humanly possible..."

Umm, can you say best Halloween costume ever?

"RT @meganhillphoto: Happy Halloween from the 3rd floor Tetris
girls! http://twitpic.com/nijx7"

November 2009

Label maker was revolutionary for a few days:

"I never knew a labelmaker could bring so much joy to my life. I love organizing. [Do not laugh at me]"

Thanksgiving, and I discovered a new recipe that was a hit:

"Finally sitting down for a bit. #Thanksgiving shopping done and key lime chess squares for Lampo potluck in the oven!"

Try the chess squares if you dare and have a
serious sweet tooth.

I didn't want to go a whole year

without blogging.

I promise things have happened since July 2009. We haven't just sat idle and done nothing, but I just really didn't have the follow-through to share anywhere besides Twitter.

Twitter gets all of my time and attention. I now think in 140 characters, and sometimes wonder if I could master speaking that way too. Do you think it's a problem?

So, to catch up anyone that might still be paying attention, I decided to go back through my Twitter posts to see what was interesting.

Umm, this might actually take more than one post, so maybe that will give me some accountability.

July 2009
So many tragedies, so early in the day...

• "Cut one finger with a butter knife, burned another one with straightener and just dropped my can of diet coke. Hello monday."

I tackled the hard topics...

• "how do you think tracy morgan is in real life?"

We went to a Sounds game and it was hot...

• "Working on our tans @nashvillesounds game. Its roasting out here folks, but a good time!"

August 2009

We had a real scare with Mazie...

• "What a day. Started with the dog eating raisins. Which according to all the people on google means she should have died. She's fine though."

Chattanooga...

• "Spent a very, very nice and relaxing weekend at http://stonefortinn.com/ in chattanooga. Great rooms and best scone I have ever tasted. Go."

September 2009

Duh. Football was back.

• "http://twitpic.com/gm534 - ALL of the Crenshaws are ready for Bulldog football!"

I was bitter about the heat...

• "Just saw on my calendar that tomorrow is the first day of fall! Let us celebrate with rain and stifling humidity."

I was also bitter about ESPN announcers during the LSU game...

• "According to announcers, lsu delayed plane 1 of the reasons we r hanging w/them. Not like they had to bike to starkville from baton rouge"
  

To be continued...

a few things I'm proud of

Three things I'm proud of:

I have (with the help of Jon at times) managed to keep this plant alive for over 3 months. This is a record for me. I always had plants in college. As in I always bought them and they always died, so I always had to go buy more.

The second thing is that we have given up bottled water. We went cold turkey back in early May, only to fall of the wagon once when we had guests in town and it was more convenient. I thought it might negatively affect my health, as I previously thought only bottled water was drinkable. However, I have enjoyed my filtered water as much or more than the bottles (insert drama) that are destroying the earth. We have cut our trash in half just by getting rid of bottles and we save approximately $15-20 a month. (I usually just use that extra to buy more diet coke).

I'm proud I didn't let the crazy ticket price keep me from seeing Eddie Vedder at the Ryman. It was one of the best shows I have ever seen. Ever. I don't have any pictures, because the older people who work the Ryman ain't joking when they say no pictures. However, a quick google search just showed me that we could sale our Hatch Show print for $150+.

Now that I've told you what I'm proud of can I give you a tip? Try Southwestern Ranch Baked Lays. I did on a casual mention from Peachy Perspective and they are delicious.

Sorry I let June completey pass by. I'm actually probably about to let this blog simmer for a while and work on another blog project that will be easier for me to update and more fun for people to read.

I'll keep you (as in my one reader) updated of the move.

Keep it classy.

may is already here?

Time is flying by way too fast to suit me right now. I mean, I think it's been like a week since I blogged only to come back and find that it has been almost a month.

Things that happened in April:

• I pretty much became obsessed with Twitter. Yes, I know that many of you think it is stupid or that it's a fleeting fad. But, give me something that can keep me updated on my friends, family, my sports and my music and then send it all directly to my Blackberry and you can consider me hooked.

• Easter :) We once again stayed in TN for Easter. Went to church on Saturday night and woke up to the sweet aroma of a pot roast on Sunday morning. I made my mom's corn casserole, which is one of Jon's favorites. It is super easy and delicious.

1 8.5 oz box Jiffy cornbread mix
1 15 oz can cream-style corn
1 15.25 oz can whole kernel corn, undrained
1 8 oz sour cream
1 egg
1 stick margarine, softened

Mix all ingredients together. Pour into greased 2 quart dish. Bake at 350 degreeds for 45-60 minutes.

• We went to Starkville for Super Bulldog Weekend and packed the weekend with just the right mix of fun and relaxation.
  

• My dad came to visit for a night and we finally got to take him to Noshville. He gave it his stamp of approval and was glad to get to eat there after hearing us talk about it ALL the time.

• Town Hall for Hope--Amazing national event that was something special to be part of as a team member and just as a person.

• I also redid our bedroom. It's still somewhat of a work in progress, but I'll be posting pictures soon.
  

This was technically in May, but we made this delicious Chicken & Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta this past weekend. I got it from my favorite magazine: Southern Living. Thanks to Donna for the gift subscription!

1 16 oz pkg. farfalle pasta
1 lb. chicken breast
4 Tbsp. olive oil
1 10 oz jar sundried tomato pesto
1/4 cup green onions
1 medium red bell pepper sliced into thin strips
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Cut chicken into bite-size pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Saute in 2 Tbsp. hot oil until done. Saute onions in 2 Tbsp hot oil over medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until softened. Increase heat to medium-high and add bell pepper and saute for 5-6 minutes more. Stir in pesto. Cook, stirring occasionally, 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat, stir in with pasta and chicken and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

coming up in May... Jonathan and I are kicking the habit of bottled water, but we're trying to decide the best and most efficient way to do that. Very exciting stuff people, don't miss out.

a night at the opry

It's been pretty quiet around the Crenshaw place. We have both been really busy at work, so that's excellent. However, it leaves us wanting to relax on the weekends and not get too busy.

It's been a month ago now, but we took a little trip over to the Opryland. We stayed at the hotel, ate at Ristorante Volare and then went to the Grand Ole Opry to see Carrie Underwood! You might remember, I like her just a little bit. :) However, I have competition in the fan category as I am not an official member of the Carrie Underwood fan club. Yes, I might a lady who was and had on the t-shirt to prove it. I was shamed. (Remember when people used to say that?)

It was a great little get-a-way. Of course, I'm always impressed by the expanse and beauty of the hotel (but will never forget how they get $$ at every turn!). The food at the restaurant was delicious (I had rigatoni and Jon had steak). The show was amazing.

As you may or may not know, the Opry has multiple performers during a show. For example that night Josh Turner and Carrie Underwood were the big names, but they only sang 2-3 songs each. You get to see an interesting mix of bluegrass, classic country, etc. all while they do the old school radio show. I can't wait to take my Dad--he will love it.

Next up: Easter complete with a roast. I'll let you know if I go out on any limbs and cook anything different. After that: Super Bulldog Weekend and I cannot wait!

not for cheese haters

So, I am probably not the best of chefs. I love the idea of trying crazy, difficult dishes, but I tire easily of the steps and clean-up. I love to bake though. It's different when you're doing all that work and something sugary, sweet is the outcome.

However, I have been trying to do better about cooking meals. Today I have decided to share an indulgent, unhealthy casserole I love.

It came to me without a formal name from my mother-in-law. It's pure cheesy goodness, but that wasn't enough of a description. So, I have named it Cheesy Chicken Tortilla casserole.

Enjoy!

Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless chicken breasts
- 16 oz of shredded Monterrey Jack and Cheddar Cheese
- 1 medium white onion chopped
- 2 Tbsp margarine
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup (I did use the low-sodium/low-fat kind)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (ditto on the low-sodium/low-fat)
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 can of Rotel
- 8-10 flour tortillas

Boil the chicken, cool and shred. Keep the broth from the chicken. Saute onion and margarine. Combine soups, milk, Rotel and onion in a bowl and stir well. Pour a very small amount of broth (just enough to coat the bottom) into a well greased casserole dish or glass baking pan. Place the bottom layer of tortillas in the dish. Then layer chicken, sauce and cheese. Repeat the layering process, starting with tortillas and ending with cheese,of course. (You can soak the middle layer of tortillas in the broth if you want them to be very soft in the casserole)

Cover and refrigerate overnight (or a few hours would probably be fine). Bake at 300 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes.

catching up...

So, what better to do on a rainy Saturday afternoon than finally catch up on my blog? Well, honestly, I think a nap would be nice. However, I will write.

I think that a while back I was tagged to write 10 things about myself. This is better than 25 (stupid facebook).

1. I love to blog stalk. If you have a blog, I have probably read it. If you don't have one, I've probably read about you on one of your friends blogs. I know that I'm going to see one of my stalkees one day and mistakenly say something to them that lets them know I've pretty much been keeping up with their life, even though they have no idea who I am.
2. I love doing laundry. This excludes ironing. I hate to iron because I am terrible at it. Who likes to do something that makes them feel bad about their domestic skills?
   
3. We (my dear husband and I) watch Nascar. Sue me, but the beginning and end are pretty exciting. (Go Jr.)
   
4. I only have 24 teeth. I think most normal adults have 32.
5. I have started a fund to purchase a Louis Vuitton handbag. Louis, I'll see you in like 2012.
6. I like miniature things. For example, I used to carry a mini stapler, mini highlighters, mini sharpies, etc. in my backpack. I guess one of my facts should also be that I'm a major nerd.
7. I love to spend the night in hotel rooms, but only really clean and nice ones. My family has always taken lots of trips and vacations, so I've stayed in a lot of hotel rooms. It's just never lost its appeal.
8. I crave Noshville's grilled cheese and fries.
9. Jonathan and I like mexican food. For example, we have in one week, eaten tacos, fajitas and burritos.
   
10. I HATE this commercial. I think it is disgusting and right up there with the worst commercials ever made. I get angry, seriously angry, every time it comes on.

tagged?

So, I have definitely been on a blogging vacation. I love to read blogs and even write on mine occasionally, but after staring at a computer all day at work it can be hard for my tired eyes. But, enough whining from me.
Apparently, I have been tagged by two different people to do two different things. I'll start with Jennifer's tag (since she pretty much threatened my life if I didn't) to go to the sixth folder on my computer and get the sixth image. So, here we go:


This is a pew at the Ryman Auditorium. One of my favorite places in the whole world. I've seen some great shows at the Ryman and took the full backstage tour not too long ago (I love being a tourist in my own town sometimes). The whole place is steeped in history and tradition.

Ok, so Marianna tagged me as well, but it's a little more difficult. I have to come up with 10 things about myself. That is for another night...

free stuff on craigslist

Someone at work once told me about the 'free' section on craigslist. Well, lately I have been using it as a source of entertainment.
Over the last couple of weeks certain individuals have offered the world some pretty amazing items.

• free dog hair (they were a professional groomer and claimed it is supposed to be good for your garden )
  
• cupcakes (they had bought too many for a halloween party--gave their address if you wanted to come pick them up)
• black walnuts (title of post: 'Help! Our squirrels are getting too fat!!!')
• baby food ('My son decided he isn't into baby food anymore and we have a good amount leftover')
• free Halloween candy ('I didn't get to pass out candy because I had to take my kids out trick or treating so I have all the candy I had bought still, I had put it in goody bags..come and get it...email back if you would like it ...I check my email everyday...')
• free dirt
• Really? I have some of that too!!

So, the point of this post? If you need something in particular or just a laugh--check out craigslist.

Happy Birthday K'Ann!!

My 'little' sister, K'Ann, turns 21 tomorrow (if you are reading this on 9/30) or today (if you are reading this on 10/1).

This makes me feel extremely old for some reason. There is no way she should be a junior in college.

So, in honor of this big day I decided that I would share with my little world 21 reasons I love my sister. (And, yes, I got her a real gift. This is not a cheap way out.)

These are in no particular order.

1. She has a huge heart and a true compassion for others.
   
2. She finally realized the greatness that is Kings of Leon. And I quote, "Katie, I am obsessed. I have been listening to the new album, like, non-stop."
3. She reminds me of a lot of my favorite things about our mom, and I'm glad that those personality traits, ideals and talents will live on in her.
4. She pretty much kicked her portfolio's butt.
1. This is the thing you have to do to make it to your junior year as an Interior Design major. Yeah, she made a perfect score or something like that.
5. 21 years ago today she was almost swapped at birth.
   
• The nurse brought another baby in for my parents to meet. My dad was innocently playing with the other baby while my mom was yelling at the nurse about it not being hers. Turns out, it was a little girl who actually had a twin(her bracelet had gotten swapped with K'Ann's) and turned out to have blonde hair and blue eyes later on in life. I wonder how long it would have taken for us to figure it out?
6. She is a voracious reader and always has been.
   
7. She can sleep. Anywhere, anytime. I once saw her sleep for 16 hours straight without even getting up to go to the bathroom.
8. There is nothing that excites me more than spending a day with her just shopping, talking and catching up.
• Sidenote: She is one of the only people who will go shopping with me and put up with my indecisiveness.
  
9. When I was in third grade and she was in pre-school, our cat died. She put her little arms around me and told me, "Everything has to die, Katie. We loved Patches and that was all we could do." Then she let me cry on her shoulder.
10. She once wore Vans that had little neon hearts on them.
11. She has the one and only M&M cookies recipe committed to memory and can bake the heck out of them.
    
12. She once sent/received over 10,000 texts in a month. Need I say more?
13. She is the complete opposite of me in a lot of ways. I think we both need that balance.
14. She has a great flair for the dramatic. She once woke our whole house up in the middle of the night claiming she had fallen in the hallway and 'broken her hip.'
15. We are going to make millions one day with her pillow and purse designs and my business sense.
16. She pulls off outfits I could only dream of wearing and looking cute in.
17. She is an excellent and all-around creative soul.
18. She has put up with my bossiness all her years, not always quietly, but she has accepted it as an oldest child trait.
19. She continues the Bulldog tradition--cowbell and all.
20. She is steady.
• i.e. When I am freaking out and worried about something, she puts it all in perspective and calms me down.
21. She is all a girl could ask for in a sister, and I know we will be best friends for life.

I love you K'Ann! Happy 21st Birthday!

Only By The Night released today

The Kings of Leon fourth album released today--go buy it. That is all.

text messaging fools

Can I just say that if someone, somewhere in the world paid me, my sister and my dear old Dad to text, our bank accounts could simply look like this $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ with lots of zeros.

My sister and I have done enough damage for a lifetime. We've been texting since it was invented and unlimited text messaging seriously changed our lives. For a while our bill was on 'full detail' which means that every call and text message was documented. One month, our cell phone bill came in a box because there were so many pieces of paper. That same month, my sister sent and received over 10,000 text messages or roughly 322 a day.

Well, about a month ago my dad decided it was time for him to get in on the texting action. Not only because me and my sister are pros and it is a good way for him to communicate with us quickly and efficiently, but because the greater percentage of his 40+ aged friends all text too. Well, let me tell you, he is loving it! Im not quite sure how he accomplishes texting on his tiny phone with his big thumbs, but he is getting quite proficient.

I've heard parents talk about those times when they were full of pride for something their child accomplished. I'm pretty sure that's how I feel about this. Not only because it's technology, but because he just decided it was something he wanted to do to make his life easier and better, and after a couple of phone calls with my sister for instructions he dove right in and hasn't looked back.

Now, if we can just get our grandparents in on the action, we will be three generation of texters. Surely, AT&T would want to give us our own commercial or free iphones or something.

29th OIympiad

I freaking love the Olympics.

I am obsessed, absolutely obsessed.

I've waited for months and not to mention it is a great break from stupid summer shows and a great buffer before college football starts. (There will be a 6 day lull, but maybe we'll survive)

If I could come up with a way to place a ticker on the outside of my cube with the medal count constantly being updated--I would. I have it bookmarked on my phone, so that i'm never out of the know.

The main thing I love about the Olympics is that you get to cheer for your country in sports you never you knew you cared about it. I never thought that I would care about men's gymnastics, but those guys are pretty awesome. Of course, the 4x100 men's relay will live in infamy. What else can you say but GO USA!

So for now, I'm off now to settle in for men's volleyball, women's gymnastics, and of course a little of this guy:

Josh Hamilton- wow

Wow. Did anybody else get chills watching Josh Hamilton in the home run derby last night? 28 home runs. Not only did we get to see a record, but got to see somebody who has found their way after much struggle and is enjoying their God-given talent with everything they have.

I have followed Josh for a while and have been rooting him on all season. I honestly think I might have teared up a bit when he would just stand back and look around and get that big old smile on his face after ripping a ball out of Yankee stadium.

I'm happy for Josh, his wife and his family. How about his 71 year old coach? I bet he iced that shoulder down last night!

sweetbreads

So, I love Top Chef. I've watched every season, and this season Jonathan got into watching it with me. He loves to cook and I love to eat, so it was a happy medium as far as sharing the remote goes.

Well, a couple of episodes before the final, each chef had to choose all these different proteins to cook with. Well, a couple of people started choosing pork belly and different cuts of beef and fish. Then Stephanie (the eventual winner and my favorite chef) chose something called sweetbreads. It peaked my interest.

On our honeymoon, we got to eat some of the greatest food ever. We ate at the great kind of restaurants where you order for each course: appetizer, salad, entree, dessert. Well, I remembered that at one of my dinners I ordered the sweetbreads as a starter. There was no description(sign of a truly fancy menu). My only thought process was that I love all bread--this is going to be great! I took one bite and realized that something was inside the deep fried breaded outside. It was kind of tough, but I couldn't place it so I just kept eating, but didn't finish my plate. I think I even whispered to Jon that I thought it was some kind of weird fruit.

Well, here we are a few months later and Stephanie picks these sweetbreads and then goes on to explain what they are. These in particular were the thymus glands of veal (or a calf less than a year old). I was stunned. I just sat there thinking of how I bit into those little things and even chewed and swallowed. I honestly was speechless. If you know me and you know how picky I am, you understand my shock.

Two questions:
1. Why couldn't they place a description or at least some kind of tip-off that sweetbreads are nothing like they sound that on the menu? Obviously if I had known they were a gland--I would have avoided.
2. Why is the thymus gland of a veal named sweetbread? Do you think it was some kind of cruel trick they played on the earliest vegetarians?

new KOL

so exciting..the boys are back and playing their new songs at their shows with Pearl Jam. This one is Crawl, and there is another one called Manhattan that there is rumored to be video of.
If you know me, you know what this means to my little world. If you don't know me...please stop reading my blog.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=KvbAV0TWhEk

15 hours 9 minutes or 927.53 miles

That is how many miles we drove this weekend--one way. Double that to get a taste of our weekend. We left out of Nashville at 7:30 am on Friday and arrived in Jekyyl Island, Georgia at 2:00 p.m Saturday. We then got back in the car at 9:00 am on Sunday and drove back to Tupelo (too sick after that to make it all the way back to Nashville).
This was for family though--the wedding was beautiful and they seemed really happy. It was also great to see everyone. And who doesn't love 30 hours of quality time with your husband, your sister and your Dad? :)
If I ever have another reason to go to Jekyll Island (it was a nice place), mark my words--I will fly.

she's cool

Carrie Underwood--she's way cool. It makes my day to turn up my ipod and belt out her songs on the way to and from work. I know that she doesn't exactly line up with some of my other musical tastes and favorites (KOL, etc), but she still rocks!

She was on American Idol tonight and totally worked her song "Last Name." It's a personal volume up loud, windows down favorite of mine. I can only imagine what people in the other lanes on Franklin Road and I-65 think when they see me. I know I would probably make fun of someone who was banging on their steering wheel and dancing as much as the confines of a seat belt would allow.

If you're thinking, "hey, that sounds fun." Here are a few Carrie songs to try out on your own: "Last Name," "Before He Cheats," "Twisted," and "That's Where it Is."
Try one out soon--especially any guys that might be reading this. Everybody needs a little Carrie in their life!