Tuesday, December 30, 2008

RUNNY

Scene: C's house
Time: 6 p.m.
[After C initiated a talk recently about how exercise needs to become a priority again in both our lives, we had decided to go for a run together after work. Come run time, however, I was feeling distracted and frustrated about my boots and turned off by the cold.]

L: [coming in from outside after getting her iPod and rubber band] Can I be honest?
C: Yes.
L: [untangling headphones] I am really not 100% into this tonight, but I want to try. I hope once we're out there I'll start to feel it, but I am just not in the mood to do this. Hopefully I will push through.
C: You don't have to go, you know. I don't you to get frustrated and I don't want to either. [In our talk, we discussed how he doesn't want to waste his exercise time.]
L: [pauses, thinks] You're right. Okay, you go. Have a good run.
C: Okay.
L: [walks out of kitchen, slumps onto rug, lies down, watches C]
C: [takes another minute to get ready, summons dogs to go outside]
L: [realizes how pathetic she is being] Wait! [hops up] Let me come with. I want to try.
L and C: [Go run two miles without stopping, including up a really big hill.]

[End scene]

BOOTED

So remember how I bought new Uggs and I love them?

I was partially lying. But let me explain. The boots themselves are great. High quality, so comfy. They're just a tiny bit too big.

Since it's after Christmas, no one is ordering more Uggs. Spring shoes are where it's at right now for the few stores that actually carry the brand. So the day after Christmas, I spent some time calling around trying to find a store that had a pair in the size, style and color I want. Figuring the same size I've been wearing in my old non-Ugg Uggs would be a good fit, I was glad to finally find some at the Summit and put them on hold. I went to try them on, they felt great and so I bought them. I gave the saleswoman cash plus the Visa gift card I've been sitting on since June and was going to use my debit card for the rest. This was too much for her to process, so she took my Visa gift card, bought a Belk gift card with it, and was able to complete the transaction that way.

So over the past few days, I've been thinking these shoes are a little big. I tried to ignore it. "Go away, nagging thought - these shoes fit GREAT!" It didn't work. I still wanted to try on a size smaller just to see if they'd fit. Hopefully, they'd be too tight and I'd have proven myself right.

I called a few Belks around Nashville yesterday and tried to find a size smaller, in any color, just to go and try on. Only one Belk in this town carries Uggs, and they didn't have anymore left. I found a pair at a Dillard's, though, and went after work to try them on. Y'all, it fit like a glove. Like the shoe had been custom cut to my foot.

I was furious when I left the store. Why had I been so hasty? A) If I wanted to return the too big boots, I'd be stuck with a ton of Belk store credit and B) I knew I'd never be able to find the correct size, style and color at a Belk this late in the season. I can order the right size from Uggs.com or something, but now I have wasted my Visa gift card and am going to have all that Belk credit and no money lying around to spare on my boots from anywhere else.

Just to test my luck, I put Monica to work and called about six different Belk stores in Alabama and Tennesse (and then later on one in Kentucky, Mississippi and Georgia). Everyone I spoke to was rude, and if they even carried that brand at all, all they had left were size 11s and weren't getting any more in.

So I guess I am just going to take these back for Belk credit and buy the right pair off the Uggs web site. I have no other choice if I want the right boots. I'm going to attempt to the first part of that plan after work today, so if anyone would like to buy some of my Belk's credit, let me know.

Monday, December 29, 2008

REGISTERED

So today I went and registered my car. I had been putting this off for a few reasons, which I won't get into here and now lest Wes tell me my blog is not interesting again, so let's get right to the good stuff!

Knowing that this was the first day all these offices were open post-holidays, I woke up extra early, and in the interest of getting out the door faster, I let the hair go au natural and even skipped putting on make up. I was on a mission people!

In this county, you and your car have to first pass an emissions test before you can get a license plate, similar to how you have to take a swim test on the first day of summer camp. Well, not really. I've been "swimming" for two and a half years in their pool. I just haven't been properly authorized to do so, I guess. ANYWAY. I'm all for clean air but to me it was just one more place I had to go and thing I had to do in order to get this car fiasco behind me. They are smart enough to have about five different testing centers around the county, so I went to one close to me. I pulled in and was pleased to see the lines weren't too bad. Only about six cars in each lane. So I pick the middle lane, put it in park, and immediately the line to my left moved. Curses. Of course I lane hopped, which meant that immediately after putting the car in park in my new lane, my old lane moved forward twice. I considered lane hopping again but decided to let it go and put on my makeup while I waited my turn. Eventually the lady who was running my lane told me to pull on in. I had to get out of my car while she hooked it up to a few devices and then was given the Golden Ticket that I would need in order to get my license plate. Step one.

I drove to a satellite county clerk's office that is in a nicer part of town. Here's now nice - the county clerk's office was in a gorgeous shopping center, had two leather couches and a flat screen TV, and was facing a fur store. I wait in the line for a short bit, while checking and rechecking to make sure I have all the paperwork. Title? Check. Bill of sale? Check. License? Check. Golden Emissions Test Ticket? Check. Check? Check. I was ready.

Finally it's my turn at the counter and a man who had the exact same name as my uncle (shout out!) asked to help me. I gave him my papers and told him I would be needing a special plate. He looked confused. "A special plate?" "A special plate - one for my alma mater." (Side note: each of you should get one of these if they are available in your state - some of the money goes toward scholarships!) He told me they only do those at the main office. I considered just staying put and having a plain old Tennessee tag, but then I remembered how much I love Auburn and asked him for my paperwork back.

I hop back in my minimally-emitting vehicle and head to the main office. I get there and wait again. The things I do for you, Auburn! Finally it was my turn and I handed my neat stack of documents to the lady. She seemed really pleased with how prepared I was. I told her I would be needing an Auburn tag and she thanked me for telling her before it was "too late." I wondered what that meant but decided not to ask.

Fifteen minutes and close to a thousand dollars later - Merry Christmas, Uncle Sam! - I left with my new tag in hand and the promise of my very own car title with my very own name on it coming forthwith in the mail.

And after work, I have one last important stop to make regarding this car: swing by the Toyota dealership to get screws that fit the holes for my license plate, and last but certainly not least get an extra key made so that the next time if I accidentally lock my keys in my trunk, I don't have to pay and arm and a leg for someone to come get them out.

SUPPLEMENTED

The rest of my break, supplemented with photos:

Shopped with Mom. Bought my new Uggs - amazing. Such an upgrade from the $30 pair I was clomping around in. Visited with the Meanses, the Bondses and the Clines (not at the same time). Drove back to Nashville with Evan. Gave C the rest of his presents which included a Brooks Brothers shirt and tie, new cologne and this sweater. He wears them all well. Opened the rest of my presents which included earrings, two sweaters, some bath and nail goodies and some other inside joke items. Ate dinner, built a fire, watched It's A Wonderful Life for the first time. Woke up early this morning to go register my car. Got an Auburn plate.



Hope everyone is merry and happy.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

GAGGED

As promised, here are the two gag gifts I received from my mother this Christmas - I'm pretty sure this is not a tradition, at least one that my sister and I have agreed to recognize.

First up - this beautiful portrait, taken circa 1989. She wrapped it up and gave it to me. She's definitely come a long way. Unfortunately this picture is now missing. It's either been misplaced or she did what she should have done 20 years ago and threw it in the fireplace:

And then there's this little guy, who she gave to me but has put in her purse and continues to show off in public. It's a tiny plastic moose that, when you press its rear down, "poops" out jelly beans. Let me put it this way - she thinks it's much funnier than everyone she's shown it to combined.

PHOTOGRAPHED

My two favorite photos from Christmas:

Me and Anne Heaton - she's 9 years old now! Ahh!

Christmas PJs... becoming an annual tradition

Thursday, December 25, 2008

TRAVELED

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.

If you traveled as much as I did, I'm sure your day was busy. However, if your car was as gas-efficient as mine is, I'm sure you concluded your travels pleased and happy.

I got home yesterday after the previously mentioned airport drop. We went to church and then visited with my mom's side of the family and their extended relatives where I discovered two things. 1. My nine-year-old cousin is an amazing artist, and 2. Brunswick Stew. What's not to like? Potatoes? Good. Corn? Good. Lima beans? Good.

The four of us came home and opened gifts. My mom and I found out about two weeks ago that we both got my sister the exact same present. She hadn't asked for or even mentioned a Gorillapod, but she got one (two technically). Since mine was delivered first, I got to give it to her and didn't have to shop for something else. So she liked her gift just as much as I like my set of Henckles knives, Land's End Tote Bag, DVDs (Will & Grace, Knocked Up, 27 Dresses, The Office), sweaters, cutting board, CASH for Vegas and more.

Today Santa came and then Mom and I headed out after brother and sister took off to see his family. We made the rounds all over my mom's hometown, visiting and eating at every stop. My grandmother didn't recognize me for the first time ever, so that was a little disconcerting especially on Christmas. In all fairness, I struggle to recognize her. But I know surely my MawMaw is still alive somewhere deep inside the kind and polite but nervous and frail stranger she has become.

Mom hates to drive so I made her a deal that if we managed to be out of the last house, heading home by 5:30, I'd drive the whole way. She lost the bet by 10 minutes. We came home and went to see Marley and Me. What a movie. Well done, Jennifer Aniston, well done. I recommend everyone go see it.

And now - the grand finale of the day. I'm heading to bed to sleep on my new contoured tempurpedic foam pillow. Tomorrow I will tell you about the two funniest presents I received. From my mother, of course!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

TIFFANIED

There's moments a girl will always remember. Her first date, her first kiss, her wedding day, etc.

Last night, I had a Moment I'll Always Remember. I got my first Little Blue Box.

Since we are apart for Christmas (booooo!), C and I swapped just one present each on our last night in town. His was an argyle sweater I knew he'd love. Mine was a beautiful sterling silver necklace he picked out all by himself from Tiffany. It is gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. It's on a sterling silver chain and has some engraving one side of the pendant - Tiffany etc., and then he is having the other side monogrammed for me after New Year's (or whenever he is able to pry it off my neck). The gasp of surprise when I saw what was in front of me to open was just like what you see in the movies. That should be their slogan - Tiffany & Co.: The Gasp Is Free! And don't worry, there's more than a sweater waiting for him under the tree (and quite deservedly so). So generous. So sweet!

I wore my necklace the entire night and all day today. Dropping him off at the airport wasn't fun by any means, but having a small token to remember him by around my neck made saying goodbye a teeny, tiny, quarter-size bit easier. I kept reaching up and touching it the whole drive home. Are you still there, Tiffany pendant? Are you really on my neck?

Thank you, C. Merry Christmas. See you Sunday.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

PREPPED

The presents are wrapped. Now the clothes need to be packed, the kitchen tidied and the car loaded, and then I'll be good and ready to go home til Sunday.

I hope it's a fuzz bit warmer in Alabama than it is in Nashville.

Update: I just got my first Christmas present! Thanks for the book, Evan!

Monday, December 22, 2008

REBOWED

So in keeping with the whole bow craze, I decided to go out on a limb and make a different type of bow - the BEST type of bow. Cute little hair bows for a cute little girl!

Using this handy tutorial, I made four bows with ease. The things I did differently were: used E6000 glue instead of a hot glue gun (worked just fine); stripped twist ties to get fine gauge wire so I didn't have to buy any (also worked just fine); didn't do as many loops for the white bows so they'd be smaller (both of those were made from just one yard of ribbon) and unfortunately I didn't have any wax paper on hand so I used tin foil (not a good idea - get some wax paper). I also used the alligator clips to hold the center ribbons in place tightly while that part dried and then later glued them to the back so the bows could be worn.

I have to say both the merry maker and the wee wearer of these bows were tickled with how these turned out. What a cheap, easy craft! Some of my friends that are expecting a baby girl may get a basket full of bows soon. Bows of all sizes and shapes for little girls to grow into - is that a good gift?

My mom used to make me and my sister bows for every outfit. Not just grosgrain - we had balloon bows and comic strip bows. Oh gosh, is this more proof I am turning into her?

Friday, December 19, 2008

BOWED

Here's your Friday Five/Bow Tutorial. There are tons of other ways you could do this, involving a neater bow and multiple pieces of ribbon and wire, but this is the quickest, easiest way I know how.

1. Tie a piece of wired edge ribbon around your gift.

2. Fold your ribbon up like an accordion. At least three loops on each "side" is best (but the more the merrier).
3. Fold your accordion of ribbon in half. Cut the ribbon's corners off, so it is thinner in the middle when you unfold it (this is optional but I do it - makes it easier to arrange the loops later).
4. Place your accordion of ribbon on the knot you already tied on your package and tie the ribbon one more time, securing it around your accordion of ribbon.
5. Fluff and poof the loops, trim up the end pieces with scissors and serve to your brother-in-law.
P.S.: Merry Christmas from Lindsay. I think these were much cuter in person, but whatever.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

LOVELY

My new camera just got here! Glory on high. So the aforementioned bow tutorial will have to wait because we have our department holiday party at my boss's house tonight. Good times.

In other news, after my event last night, C and I FINALLY built a a fire using my last starter log and his hand-me-down fire tools. After the fire alarms alerted us that the flue was not, in fact, open, we quickly remedied the situation and settled in to watch the Jim Carrey version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas, which is what we are doing when we make faces like these:
Also, one of Carrie Underwood's fan sites got a hold of the Autograph Story and posted it on a forum. They all think it says Loser, too.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

WISHY

Last night I found my Wish Ornament, which you may remember I received at a holiday lunch last year.
What wishes would you put in my ornament?

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

GORGED

Today we had a little party at work. We all brought food and invited the other departments to join us. I ate myself stupid, y'all! Here's what we had:

Kahlua soaked, chocolate covered cherries
Goat cheese pesto tort
Homemade empanadas with two kinds of sauces
Rotel
Homemade spinach dip
Pigs in a blanket
Ham biscuits
Homemade pimento cheese
Meatballs
French onion dip
Brownies
Candy
and more!

My two favorite items:

Courtney's Drops of Deliciousness
On a cookie sheet, place one rolo on top of a mini pretzel. Melt the rolos in your oven. Press a pecan on top. Refrigerate.

Laura's Cream Cheese Logs
1 package cream cheese
1 cup finely chopped green onions
1 cup bacon crumbles
3/4 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
1 tsp red pepper flakes (more or less depending on your taste)
apple butter
--
Unwrap cream cheese (if you want to make two logs, cut it in half). In a mixing bowl, stir together green onion, bacon crumbles, toasted pecans and red pepper flakes. After mixing, spoon in apple butter until the consistency is a paste that will spread over the cream cheese to coat (you can refrigerate this overnight if you want). Cover the cream cheese logs with the paste and serve with triscuits. (Laura says: be careful not to add too much apple butter or it will slide off the cream cheese and be very ugly! You can use pumpkin butter this time of year in place of apple butter.)

Monday, December 15, 2008

FUZZY

This weekend really kicked off the holidays for me. Allow me to recap:

When we last met, I was heading to wrap my presents. I picked out paper and ribbon from Wal-Mart, and even though I had to dig around to get what I wanted, I was proud of my selection. I am very picky about wrapping paper. And now that I can tie a wicked bow, I was really looking forward to having some pretty packages under the tree.

Here's how they turned out:
You can see I went with a solid gold, a pretty candy-cane striped print and the smallest box is red with little snowflakes on it. All three got a lovely bow.

Then Saturday, I went to a holiday brunch which was fun. After that, I went into work to hand make my Christmas card. Hatch was here putting on a workshop, so I took advantage of the chance to be creative with some of their supplies. I made a very simple red and green print, took it to Kinko's and had them copy it onto some sturdy paper. I used a paint pen to add a small embellishment and wrote a note inside each card. I won't spoil the surprise for those of you that have one coming your way, but know your card is a LJ original. I'll post a photo of the finished product later this week.

Saturday night we had a Christmas party to go to downtown. It was fun to get all dressed up. Here's a picture of us. Note the curly hair is making a comeback, and also note that someone has pretty blue eyes:

Then Sunday, we finally got around to trimming C's Christmas tree. Here is the beautiful result -- all it's missing is something for the top of the tree but I'm working on it:
You'll have to forgive the angle. However unflattering, this is a special picture to me because it's the last one my camera took before it fell to a horrible, tragic, lens-jamming, mood-killing death. I had it balanced on some books, on a sub woofer on a TV tray by the couch. That gave us the picture you see above. Unsatisfied with that angle, I added some ornament boxes underneath the camera to raise the stack and pressed the button. However, the pitter patter of mine and C's feet running to our spot caused the tower to wobble and when I heard a THUD! onto the floor, I gasped, ran over and found my camera was DOA. The smaller inner lens is jammed into the outer larger lens at about a 30 degree angle, cracking the outer lens and rendering the camera deader than a doornail:
After a minute of inspecting the camera and a curse word or two, C's iPod sensed the mood and decided it was a good time to play "Bring a Torch, Jeannette Isabella" - the song I used to sing for my grandmother every Christmas, aka a surefire way to make me cry like a baby. Couple that with the shock that my camera is not broken but BROKEN, just in time for Christmas, and I just sat down and cried.

C talked me off the ledge and let me use his computer to check out warranty information. I thought I was covered until I saw this part: In the unlikely event that any additional damage is found during the repair process due to liquid/water, sand, corrosion, battery leakage or impact (such as dropping the unit), a revised estimate will be sent to you for your review and authorization.

Nice. So hoping the best but assuming the worst, we decided dinner from Waffle House would at least help me make it through the night until I could call Canon in the morning.

Y'all - let me tell you. I've dealt with more than my fair share of customer service departments this year. I've heard it all. It is with great pride and total confidence I report that Canon takes the cake. No seriously, I really might send them a cake. I talked to two people on the phone and didn't even have to raise my voice. After one painless phone call, Canon is sending me another new (refurbished) camera. It'll be here on Wednesday, and if that isn't marvelous enough, you should know that my camera's warranty is ONE WEEK away from expiring. One week! Can you believe that? And, most importantly, this transaction will happen at no cost to me. Just like last time, I have to send them my old camera - Canon picked up the shipping tab, of course - and we'll be all settled up. AT NO COST TO ME. You hear that, Geek Squad? I wish everything was that easy to fix.

So the moral of my tale - as you are doing your holiday shopping, let me know if you need help with your bows, and if there'll be any electronics under your tree, make sure they are made by Canon. Happy Holidays!

SOAPBOXY

Before I recap the weekend, I want to get something straight about about Gene Chizik.

First things first: I didn't want Tuberville to leave. Obviously. So having said that, if we have to have a new coach, one that has been here before and really understands Auburn is a nice place to start. And, if he's been a part of a Number 1 and 2 team, both 13-0, in recent years? Well that sounds like icing on the cake to me.

Read what his former players have to say about this guy:

Carlos Rogers: "This was the best decision Auburn could have made. Coach Chizik was like a dad to me. From a player and student point of view he's exactly what Auburn needs in a head coach."

Carnell Williams: "Coach Chizik is a players' coach. Even though he was on the defensive side of the ball, he taught all of us the importance of hard work. He's the kind of coach recruits hope to get to play for, and I think this is a great hire. I'm excited for Auburn."

Dontarrious Thomas: "Gene Chizik will make a great addition for Auburn. He knows the game of football and knows how to motivate and relate to young athletes. He knows how to motivate them to be successful not only on the field but in the classroom and in the game of life. He will be a blessing for the players and for Auburn University."

Antarrious Williams, who went so far as to greet Chizik at the airport: "I think we got the right guy. All along, we interviewed six, seven, eight guys -- I don't know -- before we hired Chizik. I said: 'Where is Gene Chizik? Where is Gene Chizik?' He was my number one choice before they even mentioned him. I think Jay Jacobs got this right on the head. That's why Alabama's successful; players are buying into Nick Saban's system. It's not that what they're doing is so great. It's that players believe what he's saying."

You know what? If Gene Chizik is good enough for Carnell Williams, then he's good enough for me. I'm really not going to argue with Cadillac about football coaches. That's like arguing with Michael Phelps about good swimming. And seeing as how the players are the ones actually holding the football, not the armchair Facebook quarterbacks, if they think this was a great decision, then I think that's whom I'll be inclined to believe.

As for all the Auburn people that are complaining and thinking this is a huge mistake and we're doomed: you know what, we might be. We can't win every game. But next time we have a great season, you people will bask in the glory and in another decade we'll be angry that they've run off another great, great coach.

You see, this is the difference between Auburn fans and Alabama fans. Bama fans truly think they have the best team in the history of football no matter the season record, the coach or the statistics. They are the most optimistic, hopeful bunch of people. Meanwhile, all it takes is one loss and Auburn fans want someone fired. We're the worst team ever! This is the worst recruiting class ever! This the least prepared team ever! And I'm not watching another game until Jay Jacobs fires someone!

Auburn people, we are our own worst enemy. It's time all of us drink the kool aid they are brewing at UAT and realize that no matter the season record, the coach or the stats - Auburn is the best school in the whole wide world and we shall rise again no matter what. Believe it. Have some pride. Show some respect and quit complaining every time something goes wrong. Unify. Get behind the new coach; get behind the team. And until you do, don't call yourself an Auburn man or woman. It's as simple as that. Thank you.

Friday, December 12, 2008

ACCOMPLISHED

What's up people! Guess who is not only done with her Christmas shopping, but got all her errands run, had pizza for lunch and is now heading home to gift wrap?

Taking a personal day to get things done is the best stress reliever ever. Try it next time you are overwhelmed. Just don't accidentally schedule it the same day as your company holiday lunch or you won't get a chance to win a trip to Tunica.

The highlight of my day? Filling up my car for only $20. Merry Christmas, indeed.

The second best part? The TRAIN that almost ruined my trip to Opry Mills (which, given how crowded that mall was today, really says a lot). Yes, as if an outlet mall isn't crowded enough this time of year, let's drive a train through it. Nice touch. And I swear it was followng me. Three different times I almost got run over by a train that had no business running during the holidays. Doesn't Santa cause enough of a traffic jam?

Thursday, December 11, 2008

CLIPPY

Remember when I told you I was going to learn to cut C's hair?

Well, last night, rather than trim his Christmas tree as originally planned, we trimmed his hair. With holiday parties coming up, it was time for a spiffy haircut!

It was actually pretty fun. We went into his guest bathroom, where I took a lot of delight (probably too much) at making him wear the tiny, tissue-thin cape that came with the clipper kit. Here's my little vicitim, looking embarrassed, nervous, or a combination of both:
Once he was settled in, I plugged in the clippers and took my place behind him. I don't think he thought it was as funny as I did when I started singing "Swing your razor wiiiiide, Sweeney!"

I used the 1/2" guard first, just so I could get a feel for how hair cutting is supposed to go down - speed, pressure, etc. After a few passes around his head, I thought I had done a good job. I was content to leave it, but someone really likes his hair short. Time to really get the job done with the smallest guard.

I got the hang of it pretty quickly (could be because he was talking me through it most of the time). Forgiving one accidental swipe of a sideburn, I have to say I did great for a first timer! It looked nice and even and didn't have crooked overlap lines like I've seen before (not on him of course). I even shaved his neck afterward for the full effect.

Shave and a haircut - two bits! Who is next?

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

UNHUNG

Oh and by the way, I broke another coat rack. Clothes that hang + Lindsay = bad combo.

Although technically, I didn't break it, because C said it wasn't fully anchored into the wall or something. The point is, I was going to hang C's sister-in-law's coat and as soon as I made coat to hook contact, the whole thing - laden with coats - came sliiiiiding off the wall, screws and all. It just quietly fell, cushioning its blow with the wool and down of about seven coats. I just stood there, S's coat in hand, dumbfounded.

I am not meant to hang clothes. And if you need further proof of this, please come see my apartment/bedroom floor.

REMINISCENT

It's been a while since we talked about high school. And since a LOT of people from my high school read this, and this blog has gotten a little lackluster lately, let's go there!

I was e-mailing with Katie today when she reminded me about a girl who transferred to my high school our freshman year. Her claim to fame? She had six toes on each foot! Well, six toenails. The pinky toe was a doublewide (two bones, one toe) and it had two nails on it. She said she had been known to paint the nails and then drawn a smiley face beneath them, like a little toe face. The first time I saw it, I was a little creeped out, as I figure most people were, but then it got to be kind of cool. I mean, how many people have you ever met with extra appendages? She was also one of the first from our class to get married, I think, so obviously she worked those extra toes to her advantage. She was a really nice girl, too; just to clarify that she had more going her way than 12 toes.

I don't know what made me think of this but remember when they tried to give detentions for using the stairwells incorrectly? Someone decided it would alleviate traffic problems if students used one stairwell strictly for going upstairs, and one stairwell strictly for going downstairs. Yeah right. Maybe the 2 feet deep, chock-full backpacks that we all wore like turtle shells were the problem, taking up all the space and making it too crowded in the halls. If anyone reading this got one of the few detentions they handed out for improper stairwell use before ditching that plan altogether, please share.

Oh and last week, I was talking to a girl at work about high school dress codes. Our skirts had to be 2 inches above our kneecap. She said hers was the arm's length rule (skirt can't be shorter than the tip of your middle finger with your arm at your side). Why didn't they just put us in uniforms?

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

AIRBORN

THIS JUST IN: Southwest gives gift cards. Which, unlike cash, is a perfectly acceptable gift.

Click here to purchase one today!

BETTER

Mucinex-D. Amoxicillin. Flonase. Cortisone shot. What do all of these have in common? They are in me right now. And only one of them was injected in my hip!

My little cold turned into a full fledged sinus infection, where I was averaging a tissue a minute and zero sneezes, despite having the overwhelming, constant urge to sneeze. You could have flushed a toilet with all the pressure that was building in my sinus cavity. But, as you just read, I am medicated, getting better and ready to resume normal productivity.

Speaking of productive, I'm taking off work Friday to get my Christmas shopping done and catch up on errands that have backlogged the past month. Return things, swap things, pick up things - I hope I get a lot done, because I have plans the remainder of the weekend. And as for next week, I have four events to run, three to attend, and then it'll be Christmas week.

Lastly, the Carrie Underwood concert was phenomenal. I just sit in awe of her vocal capabilities. She reminds me of Whitney Houston with the notes she is able to hit, and powerfully so. She did 19 songs, which was a little much, but included two covers ("You Can Go Your Own Way" with opener Little Big Town [who was also phenomenal, by the way] and "Paradise City"). I had been looking forward to that show for six months. I wasn't disappointed in the least.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

RELIEVED

Well I did it. I finally got my new car. This was something that had been weighing on my mind long before my wreck and now I am done.

After a sad Friday evening (Allison's going away outing) I was glad to have something to look forward to on Saturday morning. The ever helpful and always entertaining Kate drove me just past the Tennessee state line to meet my mom and uncle in Athens. The exchange of keys was pretty short and before I knew it, it was just me and the car heading back home. I opened the sunroof and played with the radio and adjusted my seat and mirrors and tried the cruise control. Everything works great. Pictures to come soon.

I haven't picked a name yet. I think Candace Camry (a la Candace Cameron) is funny but I don't think Candace is a good car name so I am still thinking. And YES this car will have a name as I have noticed that all my things with names (Monica, Rod) still work while the things without names (old car, computer) do not.

After I showered and ran some errands, I went to C's house to watch the SEC championship game on his high def TV and then whipped up dinner for us, his parents, and brother and sister-in- law plus kids. I made poppyseed chicken (of course) and it was a hit (of course).

Right now I am sitting on my couch watching/reciting Home Alone and drinking coffee. Later tonight, we are all going to see Carrie Underwood. In between, I have some major cleaning of the apartment to do as well as the first of my Christmas shopping! All in all, a great weekend.

Friday, December 05, 2008

TANGIBLE

People keep asking me what I want for Christmas and won't accept my answer of cash, cash, cash. I just bought a new car, have a computer to fix, an apartment to decorate, I'm saving for a trip to Vegas... if ever there was a year for cash, this is it. But no. Tangible objects. Stocking stuffers. So at least let's make them things I want or need or will really use!

Here's what I came up with:

1. Actors Acting coffee table book from Amazon

2. Something to start off my Mariposa String of Pearls Collection (might have to pool resources for this one)

3. The big liter bottle of my favorite shampoo (this really is a genius gift and someone should get this).

4. Movie passes (preferably Regal, not Carmike or Rave)

5. Sephora gift card

6. This cute Andy Warhol wall calendar for my desk (also available at a bookstore or BB&B near you!)

7. A season of Will and Grace, preferably one of the later seasons like 6, 7 or 8

8. This chair towel thingy (in white, I think) that I can get monogrammed later

9. Medium sized, natural & washed black Land's End tote bag which I will get monogrammed later in a style I like (aka none of Land's End options)

10. Money to take my Intro to Improvisational Acting class with Evan this January!

Thursday, December 04, 2008

BITTER

Would you buy it?
Suggest a more creative slogan in the comments section.

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

VOCAL

Why is this post-season coach watch becoming a regular thing for Auburn? Will Coach Tubby stay or go? Just like last year, I had to e-mail Tubby himself and Mr. Jacobs, our athletic director, to give my two cents:

First, my e-mail to Jay:

Subject: Keep Coach!
Hi there Mr. Jacobs,

I hope Coach Tommy is there another year! Please keep him! To show my support, I wrote a poem:

Roses are red
Violets are blue
Keep Coach Tommy
and the other coaches too!
We'll work out the offense
In our off season
And when we go 13 and 0 again
Coach Tubbs will be the reason!

Thanks for your attention to this matter and War Eagle!
Lindsay, '05


To Tommy himself:

Subject: Stay stay stay!
Coach Tuberville,

I e-mailed Jay Jacobs to tell him the same thing I'm telling you - you need to stick with us! Auburn fans can be so fickle. You are a great coach and don't listen to the naysayers. Please read the poem I wrote and have a great week!

[insert poem again here]

WAR EAGLE!
Lindsay, '05


Last year, "Jay" or an admin pretending to be him wrote back with a blanket e-mail. We'll see what happens. I like Coach T. I want him to stay. After all, the night is darkest before the dawn.

SURVEYED

Of ALL the people in the world, I was asked to fill out a Geek Squad survey. Boy, was I excited.

Please see the images below for the highlights:

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

VEHICULAR

So I bought a car. I didn't buy it per se, a man from Montgomery did. Blah blah blah, details details, long story.

A 2004 Toyota Camry LE will be arriving in Alabama very soon, and I will be arriving in Alabama this weekend to pick it up. Silver, 6-disc CD thingy, sun roof, great condition. That's about all I know. I kind of wanted to just close my eyes and have a car show up in my budget and that's almost what has happened.

Everyone start thinking of names!

Monday, December 01, 2008

TIDBITTY

• I love Black Friday/Saturday. I have only done the doorbuster thing one time, in 2005 with my sister. We found Motorola Razr phones on sale, 2 for $80 at Comp USA. Their doors opened at midnight as opposed to 5 am so we just stayed up all night and went to bed 7 am after busting down Best Buy's and Circuit City's doors for movies and camera memory cards. The cheap movies are the best part, and you don't have to be there at the crack of dawn to get them. For instance, this weekend after the football "game", we went to Target and got a handful of movies, starting at $4. They had all kinds of good movies for sale. My sister got Juno plus others for $6 each, I got Baby Mama for $9 and my mom Santa bought me season three of the Office for $13. I was going to get Knocked Up and 27 Dresses but changed my mind, even though they were only $6 a pop.

• Did you watch Britney's documentary on MTV last night? I was surprised. She can go from seeming professional and mature to coming across vapid and childlike in no time flat. And she was also contradicting herself right and left, regarding her life. Are you positive, or are you sad? Is it exciting because you're doing what you love, or is it all repetitive and endless? You know what Britney? Thanks for the hits, but it's not too late to move back to Louisiana. I'm just saying.

• My favorite part of the Iron Bowl: realizing Bama has a player named C. Reamer on their team. The graphic with his face and name popped up and I went nuts. That means they have Coffee and CReamer. Haha! If you don't think we laughed about that for at least two downs, you'd be wrong.

• Add to the list of Things That Ruined 2008: Allison is moving away. Yes, Allison of tap dancing infamy. Thanks a lot. Now who will do fun stuff like this with me?

Saturday, November 29, 2008

WEEKENDY

What a busy weekend!

I barely had time to turn around yesterday between getting home and getting back in the kitchen to peel more potatoes. But dinner last night was amazing so it was worth it. Then Mom, sister, brother-in-law and I went to see Four Christmases. I thought it was really cute, and the previews alone are worth going to see the movie for. January and Februrary are going to be busy movie-going months, I think.

Then, today I had to shuffle some money around - you know, because I have so much. Just kidding! I had to close my old checking account, the one without online banking that was opened circa 1998. So I took that money along with some savings bonds plus the check from Allstate and I finally have all the money from my wreck deposited into my account. Hooray! Now all that's left is to buy a car! I really like the Nissan Altima that I rented to drive home for the weekend (actually, I rented something else and they gave my reserved car away - not my fault, so of course I refused to pay the $5 upgrade for the nicer car and made them give me the Altima anyway).

THEN I had to go get a quick eye exam so I could order more contacts, since they won't let you order more without a current prescription. Hogwash.

And finally, I went and got lunch from Taziki's, then I came home and put on my pajamas, and now I am going to get cozy to watch the Iron Bowl. War Eagle!

Friday, November 28, 2008

FULL

Happy Thanksgiving weekend, y'all. Hope everyone is warm and dry and full and happy.

I'm in Alabama now, ready for Thanksgiving with my family. Yesterday was my first Turkey Day in Nashville, where you may recall I supplied the hot bacon and swiss dip (a hit), the mashed potatoes (another hit) and this little bonus surprise: a double chocolate peanut butter pie. After perusing the internet for the perfect, pudding-free recipe, this is what I decided on.

Behold! (Most of) the pie:
Notice that crumbly Oreo crust, subtle yet delicious peanut butter filling and perfect chocolate glaze with a crushed peanut border. I was so impressed with the fresh whipped cream I made for the filling, that I made some more just to have on hand. Looks like this cooking thing is gonna be easier than I thought!

Now it's time to head back into the kitchen to make more potatoes for Thanskgiving, round 2. Too bad I didn't bring enough pie for everyone!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

BOTHERED

I have to tell you, this whole renaming the Student Union thing has gotten under my skin.

I have been reading about it on the Plainsman.com and I was trying to understand why the SGA would vote down the resolution to extend James E. Foy's name to the new student union building. Right now, the building will be named after whomever ponies up $25 million to pay for it.

I see the point that the $25 million will help keep student activity fees down, that the university can really put that money to use and it will been "ear-marked" for student development and programs. But when I was at Auburn, our student activity fees (go toward maintaining student union, campus programs, student recreation center, etc.) were already close to if not the lowest in the SEC. So with inflation and all the growth on campus, I think those could stand to go up a little bit more. But of course, I'm not paying those fees, so I don't really know. And it's not like students were ever lacking in something to do, without $25 million to blow.

But here's what I do know - Foy is a man. Foy is a building. Foy is a phone number; but to reduce it to just one of those takes away from what Foy really means and embodies to most Auburn students. Which is why when I read that a student senator - who was a CWE Counselor, no less - called Dean Foy a "cute old man," I about spit out my coffee:

"We don't remember Foy or are respectful of Foy because of the man he is. Because to all of us, he's just, he's great I'm sure, but he's still the cute, old guy that says War Eagle at pep rallies. I'm not trying to take away anything from who he is, but we're all passionate about Foy because of the building, because it is where we spent our time, where we ate lunch, not because of who he is."

You know what? This makes me sad. I have an e-mail sitting in my draft box to this young woman. I'm trying to decide if it's too "cranky old alumna" to send. It's a nice e-mail, not mean or condescending, just explaining to her that her choice of words were really offensive to me as a member of the CWE family and hopefully all the rest of you that sat through Dr. C's slide show, learning from where everything from our orange and blue to War Eagle! to the seal and the creed originated.

I guess it's a full circle. She is passionate about the building because of the activities that it houses, where she spent time and ate lunch. Those activities are there, that building is there, because of Dean Foy. She and the other student senators may not recognize that, but lots of other people do.

I'm sure there'll be a solution worked out. The alumni are up in arms. Maybe some of the Auburn people that read this blog can help me/us understand both sides of this argument, or at least how this girl spent a summer in CWE and still manages to think of Dean Foy as not much more than a "cute old man." In the mean time, read a three-part series chronicling how he is so much more than that here here and here.

A proud alumna with some "cute old man"

Monday, November 24, 2008

FAVRE

Suggestions for how "FAVRE" eventually became pronounced "FARVE:"

1. Accident somewhere in documentation that no one ever bothered to fix.

2. Laziness (4 generations ago: "fAH-vray;" 3 generations ago: "fAAhv;" someone in Boston: "fAHrv;" the entire world: "FARve").

3. Purely to annoy me.

WHETTED

This is going to be a quick week, but a busy week!

Today I have a site visit, an event, Kanye's new album comes out AND Allstate just called me - CHECK IS IN THE MAIL Y'ALL!!!
Tomorrow I will get a lot of work done.
Wednesday I will leave work early to get ready for Thanksgiving!

For the first time ever, my family will be split up on Thanksgiving Day. But that's okay, because Friday we will all be under my mom's roof, together again, and making our own Thanksgiving dinner.

So while Mom is with our extended family, and sister with her in-laws, I will be here in Nashville with C's family. While I am not responsible for too significant of a portion of the meal Thursday or Friday, I am happily contributing what I can. Thursday, I am providing the appetizer (hot bacon and swiss dip, a favorite dish that my sister makes often) and the most important side dish: fresh, hot homemade mashed potatoes. I figure since I will be eating most of them, I should cook them. I am also making the mashed potatoes on Friday afternoon in Alabama. I might even pull out my grandmother's potato strainer, just for fun. Mashed potatoes are one of my favorite things.

And speaking of favorite things, Oprah is airing her signature episode this Wednesday, scaled-back style. Whatever. Scaled-back for Oprah is only spending $1000 on a fridge instead of $3500 for one with a high-def TV. Who needs a high-def TV in their fridge? If you have one, please let me know how it has benefited you because I just don't see it happening.

Never one to be out done by Oprah, I am working on Lindsay's Favorite Things 2008. I know you can barely contain your excitement.

Number one on this year's list: my job. Which I am at right now. So I'd better get back to work!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

SAD

I guess this day was bound to come eventually. I just didn't think it'd be so soon.

I was at Target yesterday, strolling around, when I came to the electronics section. Not surprisingly, the neat colorful row of Friends season DVDs was the first thing I saw. As I walked closer, I kind of lost my breath.

My precious babies, my Emmy Award-winning television gold mine, was $12.98!!!! Is that what they have been reduced to? Even Will and Grace was holding strong at $34.99 a pop.

THIRTEEN DOLLARS. It's just not fair. I wanted to buy every one of them to preserve the dignity of the show.

Horrible. Just horrible. This recession knows no limits.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

BEATLEY

Last Friday, C and I went to see Rain: A Tribute to the Beatles. I am sure there are a lot of Beatles cover bands floating around, but this one has to be the best.

The show made use of two screens on either side of the stage, which put you in the era by showing important pop culture clips with sound bites of the Fab Four, and of course - plenty of screaming, fainting, maniacal girls.

The band did five sets: Ed Sullivan show, Shea Stadium, Sgt. Pepper, Summer of Love and Abbey Road. They had perfect costumes and wigs for each set. My favorite was the Sgt. Pepper set.

It was so much fun. I didn't know what to expect so I was blown away by how spot-on the performers were, how much fun the show was, etc. We were up dancing several times, and there were plenty of women up dancing the entire time. All ages were there - some dressed up, too.

So, I spent the rest of the weekend reading about the Beatles on Wikipedia and learning more about them: good, bad and ugly. I knew a little about them having grown up with a sister that was a big fan, but there was lots I didn't realize or fully understand (or really care to), starting with that they were only together for like six or seven years. Crazy!

But through my reading, I realized something else was brewing: a piqued curiosity about one John Winston Lennon, leading to a book requested from the library. I'm scared of getting sucked in.

Which brings me to my point: why do I get so fascinated by dead men named John? Cash, Belushi, now Lennon... coincidence? I hope so. It has to be.

Me and my dead men named John. What is that?

Sunday, November 16, 2008

HOWLING

More fun with a MAC. I am telling you, this little feature is a small reason I am looking at getting a MAC book to replace the dead PC.

(This one looks like the guy in Ratatouille)

ENTERTAINED

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!





Love it when JT makes a cameo on SNL. I've already watched that second skit like six times.

Monday, November 10, 2008

FINE

What a good weekend. Here's some highlights:

1. Saturday night, C and I dressed up and went to see Moonlight and Magnolias. It's a play about the true behind-the-scenes issues of Gone With the Wind. I never knew this, but three weeks into shooting, the producer fired the director and brought in a new one (pulling him off The Wizard of Oz). He also brought in someone to rewrite the screenplay, but that guy had never read the book before. So for five days, existing only on bananas and peanuts, the director and producer acted out scenes from the book and the writer typed out a script until they had a screenplay worth shooting. It cost the producer $50,000 a day to hold the movie. Interesting story. Moonlight and Magnolias is the five days. I liked it, but even more than the play, I liked getting dressed up and enjoying a delicious free dinner and hosted bar with some of C's coworkers. There was also a silent auction but we didn't bid on anything. We also didn't get a picture of us dressed to the nines, but there's more of these dinner/play combos in 2009 so stay tuned...

2. I went to Publix on Sunday. I have always shied away from Publix a) because there's not one near my house b) because I've always thought they were a little overpriced and c) there is not one near my house. I get their ads in the mail, though, so I've been eyeing their Buy One Get One deals for a while. So I was running errands Sunday and found myself near a Publix and I decided to drop in. I browsed around. Nothing was standing out until I got to the meat counter. I bought some ground beef and chicken for what seemed like a good deal. Then I got two bottles of coffee creamer. They were 2 for $5. I remembered I had a coupon for 50¢ off a bottle. I forgot, however, that Publix doubles coupons under 99¢. So the coffee creamer ended up costing me $2 per bottle, which is pretty good. And my checkout team was really friendly. But yet, neither of those reasons are why I'll go back...

3. Miracle of miracles, I FINALLY found some bagels worth eating at Publix. I used to have a bagel for breakfast every single day until mine (Thomas Multi Grain) were discontinued and since then, I haven't found any in grocery stores that were suitable. Multi-grain: is that too much to ask? Not to Publix. I was beside myself with glee to try one this morning for breakfast and was not disappointed. Now I just need to find some coupons for Publix bagels and I'll be set.

And lastly, I watched Fight Club this weekend. What a weird movie. Speaking of fight club, here's proof UAT and LSU have the worst fans in the SEC. Sad.

Friday, November 07, 2008

DISTRACTED

What a week. It has been up and down to say the least. Your Friday Five will recap:

1. I have a feeling Tuesday night will turn into one of those Where Were You When? questions. As in, where were you when you heard about 9/11; where were you when you heard Obama was elected? My answer: I was at Pizza Perfect with C, getting a late dinner after being sick all day. The very second after the west coast polls closed, up went the CNN Breaking News graphic and over was the election.

2. I got my hair cut this morning. I LOVE getting my hair cut. My stylist is so fun. I have been going to her for a year now, after randomly finding her in the phone book one desperate Saturday. She's the one whom I trusted to chop my hair last December, after only one visit. And today she told me how to cut C's hair with clippers and trimmers, since he bought some recently so I could learn how to cut his hair. We'll see how I do.

3. Enterprise has been calling me since Tuesday. Apparently, they sold my rental car while I still had it. That was dumb. I was supposed to turn it in tomorrow but they couldn't wait until then to get the car from me. How ridiculous. I told them I would to come by to swap it on Tuesday, but then I got sick and decided to go home as opposed to worrying about the rental car. I still have tons of stuff in the car that I haven't taken inside: boxes, hanging clothes, etc. So I wanted to unload that before I made the swap. But I didn't get around to it. Sue me. So they called me again yesterday and again today, when an Enterprise agent BEGGED me for the car back. I'm not kidding. I was already late to work because of my haircut and then I had two site visits and an event tonight, so I was a tad busy, to say the least. I asked him to wait until tomorrow, just 24 more hours, and then they could have the car back for good. That wouldn't do. I told him I would push a meeting and he could come in an hour and a half. "Miss [Last Name]... Pleeease." So I told him to come in 30 minutes. I mean really. It's your fault for selling the car while it was in someone else's possession. That's like Blockbuster renting a DVD they didn't even have. What bad business. So when the guy showed up with the new car, as we were moving things from one car into another, I (jokingly) told him I was shocked a company like Enterprise would commit such a blunder and how were they planning to make up for the inconvenience. I suggested a free extra day of rental, which he agreed to. I'm such a hardass.

4. Car update: they found the lady that hit me and she admitted to being uninsured. So Allstate sent me a check for my deductible, meaning I have still not paid a cent for this wreck. Unless you count the dadgum STRESS, and I have decided that sanity is priceless. Additionally, the car title has been one closed door after another. I mean you name it, it's gone wrong. Luckily, I believe I finally have the proper paperwork to file to get a new title so that I can give it to the insurance company to get some money for my car so I can buy my next one! But since I have to return the rental, I have to go without a car again for a while until then. So if you live in Nashville and have an extra car, or want to give me a ride somewhere, please let me know. And speaking of buying the next car, I am actually leaning toward NOT buying a Toyota because of that awful Saved By Zero commercial. I certainly wouldn't want anyone to think that I succumbed to or support that kind of incessant marketing.

5. Last but not least, Auburn's homecoming is tomorrow. Ahhh, memories.

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

POSITIVE

How is everyone? What's new? How's your week been? It's halfway over, hooray!

Did you know I was sick yesterday? I only went into work for two hours and then went to the doctor, who couldn't diagnose me. He told me to take four Motrin and go back to bed. Shouldn't you get your co-pay back if they can't help you?

I also got bad news regarding the car title yesterday. But I don't want to talk about it. And you remember what else I do not want to talk about: politics. But you're not here to read about it, are you? Go here if you are.

So let's talk about some things I do want to talk about: Hugs! Kittens! French Fries! Candy! Wine! JT!
Which looks best to you? I'm thinking the fries or JT.

wordpress blog stats