ZzzzzZzzzZzzzzzzz

I was dragging all day today, so after work I took a nice long nap. Zzzzzzzz

North Carolina

I've been to North Carolina many times, but my favorite story to tell is about Hubby and my first kiss.

During early November of our freshman year of college, Hubby and I were driving down the mountain (Lookout Mtn, to be exact) to go shopping. He had been to NC the previous weekend with his dad, just sightseeing and spending some time together. While we were headed to the mall, Hubby (obviously, he was my boyfriend at the time) asks me if I'd want to go on a sightseeing trip to North Carolina.

I was curious.

So we headed on some scenic backroads through the beautiful Cherokee Forest along the Ocee River, just chatting about all sorts of things--I don't remember now. The leaves were slightly past their peak beauty, but were still gorgeous all the same. We crossed the border into North Carolina, and through a tiny mountain town called Murphy. Past the town, the highway took us along the Nantahala River. There were many places to stop and rest, picnic, or take pictures. We stopped at one of these places along the beautiful river.

And he kissed me.

All in all, the trip probably only took 5 hours, and we got back well before bedtime. We made it a tradition to go back every year during college, the same weekend every time.

Okay. Sappy story over now.

Woot!

Taylor Hicks wins American Idol! Yay!

Hmmmm. Now what am I going to do with my time?

Shoes Make the World Brighter

Today was rather frustrating (I'd rather not get into it), but since I got my bridesmaid's shoes today, everything is happy! Here they are!:

Happy Birthday!

It's Sarah's 23rd birthday! I hope it's a happy one!

Alabama

Even though Alabama is so close to home (only a quick drive to the border from Atlanta) I can say that I've only truly visited the state once or twice. My time in Alabama, however, was probably one of the most life-changing I've had in my lifetime--for it was in Alabama where I got to know my best friend, Ashley.

I was always the shy kid (Still am!) and I've always struggled to make new friends. In seventh grade, I was awkward and very unsure of myself. When Ashley came to my school as a new student that year, I wasn't sure that I'd ever be really close with her, since I didn't have any really close friends. I was so wrong--and I'm so glad for that!

The trip to Alabama was to Huntsville, specifically the Space Camp there. It was a weekend trip in mid-fall where we could learn about the space program, get away from parents, and pretend to be astronauts. I was bunked with Ashley and only a couple of other girls, so, to be honest, I was a little nervous about rooming with the new girl. My memory is a bit fuzzy at this point--I think we had gotten together once before, but even still, I was nervous.

Well, I shouldn't have worried. Ashley and I just clicked. We spent most of the weekend together, and giggled the night away just chatting about all sorts of random things. I can't even remember what we talked about now--but I'm so glad I was able to get over that initial nervousness. Of course, it helps that Ashley is such a friendly and warm person! It was at that moment we were inseparable--we began Our Story, played MASH, dreamed about our future families and kitties, etc.

We haven't lived in the same place since 7th grade, but it was that moment in Alabama that solidified our friendship, and I'm eternally blessed to have been there.

The Art Car Parade

Well, Hubby and I have officially been living in Houston for a year. I can't believe it's been that long. Also a year ago this weekend was the Houston Art Car Parade, an annual occurance here in the Bayou City. Art car enthusists decorate their cars in a variety of ways--last year there was a car that looked like the Trojan Horse, one was decorated completely in yarn, and my personal favorite was a car decorated with fish and other seacreatures that moved and sang the "Hallelujah Chorus." Last year was a blast, and it gave Hubby and I our first experience of the city. There is also a museum where you can see the art cars year round, if anyone comes to visit, I can take you there!

I'm Going Slightly Mad

This was the longest week in the history of the world! Today especially dragged on and on and on and on. This morning the clinic was running so far behind that I thought I might pull my hair out. The afternoon also dragged on forever, since I've finished my database work and I've run out of things to do. I'm actually sorta glad that the lab is moving, because it gives me something to do instead of just surfing the Internet.

On a happier note, I got to restore my sanity a little by going shoe shopping! Such fun. I went by myself (while Hubby studied for finals) so I could browse every single aisle and try on as many pairs of shoes as I wanted. I put on my iPod and just relaxed. I even bought a few pairs of shoes--vintage inspired of course! (Although, still no bridemaid's shoes. Must keep looking.) Anything can be made better with shoes. :-)

Virginia

Some places are just brief snapshots of memories, but somehow the snapshots of Virginia are some of the most memorable. To me, the Blue Ridge mountain region is one of the most beautiful in the country. I was there over spring break one year, visiting the grandparents of a neighborhood friend. I don't think I've ever seen the sky so blue. The house was surrounded by rolling hills covered with crisp green grass. Sparkling blue grape hyacinths were everywhere--my friend and sister and I pressed many of them between the pages of a phone book. Whenever I smell grape hycacinths now, it reminds me of this place. One day we flew a kite on the peak of one of those hills on a crystal clear day with a cool breeze in the air. The picture in my mind is hard to paint on paper, but for me the memory of this place has never faded. It really took my breath away.


(Here is a picture I got from the Internet. It's the closest I could find to capture the snapshot in my head.)

Story Time

I went to the grocery store after American Idol ended (only 3 people left!) and when I got back, there were 2 fire trucks in front of our apartment. I had to go around to the other entrance, and when I got there, everybody was standing outside while the firemen were checking it out. It reminded me of all the times we had to get out of bed at 2 in the morning at Covenant because of the alarm going off in Maclellan. Anyway, the place didn't burn down, so no worries.

Oh Where, Oh Where Has my Hubby Gone

Hmmm. I think I've lost him. I came home from work and he wasn't here. He's not answering his phone either. Surely his final couldn't be taking 6 hours. Guess I'll keep looking.

Edit: Whew. I found him. I was a little worried there. He said the final only took 4 1/2 hours. Poor Hubby.

Florida

I've been to many places in Florida, including Panama City, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale, but my first memories are from visits to Miami to see my Great Grandma Gay. Actually, my first memories of traveling in general were to Florida. (I know that my parents took me to Indiana several times as a baby, but I have no recollection of those trips.) I remember being 4 or 5 years old, with my baby sister Julie only 2 or 3. I really don't remember much--I remember walking on the balcony of her condo, which I swear was on the 99th floor and had no screening (but I should ask my mom to confirm that), eating Bugles off the ends of my fingers, and not much else. I really wish I remember more of my great-grandmother, but I don't.

My Great Grandma Gay was my mom's mother's mom. (Gay was her last name.) In my mind (and from vague descriptions my mom gave me) she was a socialite and a very proper woman. I always picture her like she would have been in the 1950s, with the long skirts and pearls. I believe she was born in 1896, and I have always imagined what her life would have been like. When she was born, she probably would have a horse and buggy to take her around, with gas to heat and light her home instead of electricity. I wonder what it would have been like to read in the paper about the first airplane flight, to live during both world wars, and to see the world change more quickly than it ever had before.

I wish I had known her better. She passed away many years ago, but whenever I think of Miami (and Florida) I think of her and my first trip there.

Vintage fun

I've been surfing the Internet the past few days--mainly shoe shopping (one of my favorite pastimes) and found many wonderful vintage clothing and shoes.

My favorite place for vintage clothing is from an ebay store called denisebrain which sells beautiful vintage clothes from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Right now the seller has an adorable 1940s sundress--if anyone feels the urge to buy me a present, this would be awesome! :-)

I also found an online site for a brand of shoes called Seychelles, which sells several retro styles of shoes. (I've been told "retro" means that the item was made to look like it's from a certain era, while "vintage" is used to describe an item that really was made in that era. But don't quote me on that!) Many of the styles are reminiscent of the 40s and 50s, yet are cute enough to pair with modern clothes such as jeans. They are a little pricey, but to me they would be worth the splurge (after I buy shoes for Ashley's wedding of course!)

on Traveling

I was taking a nice hot bubble bath last night when I came across the idea of writing a series of posts about the places I've been to. I would use the place as a springboard for stories, musings, thoughts, etc. (Similar to what Nichole writes about people she's met and known. Hi Nichole :-)!) I think it would be great to have a "theme" to kinda connect random stories, and I think it will be a great opportunity to attempt to improve my writing skills. We'll see how that goes!

Traveling has always been important to me, whether it's for a family vacation, a wedding, or a chance to learn about a place and a culture (or just a regional culture, as the case may be) that I've never experienced. Not every place has left an indelible impression on me, but I hope that I've taken even the tiniest pieces from the places I've been and the cultures I've seen. Even if it's as simple as learning to relax and enjoy life and the experiences I've had. So enjoy my musings to come :-).

And the Cat Came Back . . . Part 2

Those stupid packages came back again today. They were sent back for the same reasons as last time, which I'm still not sure what they are. Since they are perishable cells shipped in dry ice, I'll have to wait until Monday to ship them. It would be bad for them to sit in the package over the weekend. Grrrrrr. I hope to have this all solved by the time I ship them Monday.

I'm leaving on a jet plane

Woot! I just got my ticket to Atlanta for the end of July! See ya'll then! ;-)

And the Cat Came Back . . .

Does anybody remember this cartoon from when we were kids about this cat and this guy who kept trying to get rid of her? Every day the man would do something horrible to the cat (like throw her off a bridge or something) but every day the cat came back. There was a catchy song to it too. Every morning the cat was on the doorstep and they'd play it. The cat came back, the very next day, the cat came back, and something I don't remember, etc. Anyway, that's what I felt like today.

The Fed-Ex packages I sent out yesterday came back! I guess there was something wrong with the paperwork. I dunno. I absolutely despise filling out all that stuff (especially since these were international) and the packages came back and I had to do it all over again. Arrrgggg. They better not come back tomorrow.

Migraines and other news

Last Saturday I had the absolute worst migraine. I was really dumb and didn't where my glasses for that morning. Sometimes I get really tired of wearing them--I've thought about contacts but I'm sorta kinda scared to try them. Anyway, by the end of the day, my head was throbbing so much that it felt like my eye was either going to pop out of my head or explode right in the socket. I was so nauseated as well that I couldn't stay up to watch "Pearl Harbor." (It was on the tube and I really wanted to see all the 40s stuff.) Anyway, I ended up falling asleep around 7, then slept 'til 9 the next morning. Although, it never really was a deep sleep. I will never, ever, ever, not wear my glasses again. And I hope you all hold me to that.

Well, I definitely am starting to miss other things about Atlanta than the dogwoods (and, of course, my parents.) I haven't been able to find sweet tea anywhere here, and it's about to drive me crazy. I've resorted to making it myself, but I haven't quite got the perfect blend of tea and sugar just yet. Since it's already summer here, I better get on it!

Well, Hubby was playing computer games all last week, (he got a new game, and the next 3 weeks he'll be studying for exams and finals.) so this week I'll get the computer. And hopefully I'll get to blog more. Yay!