Win Some Books!

Deena at A Peek At My Bookshelf is having a giveaway for 30 books in 30 days and a $30 gift card to a bookstore. Go check her out for more details!

Yes We Can!

I haven't commented on Obama's acceptance speech yet. Let me just say, it was good. Real good. And did you see the passion in that stadium?



Republican or Democrat, I urge you to watch this moment in history. One day I'll tell my children about sitting on the couch with their father, eating ice cream, and watching history in the making.

And I'll try to keep the political blogs to a minimum for a while (except to say this).

Oh, who am I kidding? I'm sure there'll be more!

Thursday's Picnic in the Park

Yes, I am aware that it is not Thursday so I guess I should have titled this one "Friday's Picnic in the Park" but I didn't so live with it.

Lucas and I decided to have our weekly picnic today. It was a beautiful day in the park..... except for these pesky little creatures!
I swear, they saw us coming for sure. They saw me with a picnic basket and knew that meant food. Hello, little guy!
But Lucas and I, being the knowledgeable citizens (and gluttons) that we are, knew that giving them any of our food would mean that they would not leave us alone. So we feasted without the ducks. Ham sandwiches and chips with watermelon and a cookie for dessert.
But this guy knew we'd give in. "Please, feed me!" he said. (Geeze, these ducks are worse than Rafa.)
How could we resist their sweet little faces? When we were done with our picnic, Lucas began feeding them our leftover watermelon.
Are you ducks happy now?

Good food. Good company. Who could ask for a better lunch?

Great Contest!

I love free stuff and I love jewelry! That makes this contest the perfect fit for me! I'm hoping to score these beautiful earrings but still haven't decided which color I'll choose (I guess that is a little premature).
Visit The Pink Potpourri for your chance to win!

Walk the Dog

Yesterday when I got home Lucas decided we should do something fun to cheer me up (yes, he's a good husband). So we went on a walk with Rafa! Usually we just do a circle around the block but Lucas suggested we take a long walk so we walked all the way to other end of our neighborhood and back (probably close to 2 miles or a little more total). Rafa stopped to smell a hydrant and I thought it was so cute.

But when we got close to the end (still had to turn around and walk back) Rafa started getting a little tired. He would stop to smell something or roll in the grass and would just lay there.
Aww, poor guy! But he made it. He was nice and rested so Lucas and I could go eat Mexican! Yum! Bonus, I had a margarita and Lucas had a beer!

Then we came home and watched Bill Clinton and Joe Biden speak at the DNC. I knew a little about Joe before but had never really heard him give a major speech and boy was he good! I can see why Barack picked him. I'm excited to see what the future holds for the Democratic party.

Bad Day at Work

I am just having a bad day at work. I worked until 10:30 last night and was here at 8:30 this morning and I'm just grumpy. Campaigns suck sometimes. I wish I had something fun to post about but since I have just pretty much worked straight through the last couple of days there is nothing to report. Good news is that my husband knows I'm dragging a bit and is taking me for 'buy one get one free entree' night tonight at Guadalajara. I think I'll need a margarita with that.

Blue Dog

The Democratic National Convention began last night and boy was it good! I was glued to APT (Alabama Public Television) all night. Maybe that's why Lucas fell asleep about 8:00. It's a good thing, too, because he definitely would have made fun of me crying at the t.v. over speeches. But, in my defense, they were pretty darn good speeches.

So Teddy was first. Now, I do honor and respect Ted Kennedy but he also has a shaky past that I've never quite gotten past (can you say 'Chappaquiddick'?). But to see him back, giving such a great speech, so invigorated given all that he has been going through was really quite awe-inspiring and made me inch my way toward the Obama train (as some of you might recall I was aboard the Hillary train when we crashed in burning flames).

Well if I wasn't aboard the O Train I sure am now after listening to Michelle Obama. What an amazing woman she is! I love their family. Why was I crying during her speech? I don't know. But it was a nice moment I had on the couch by myself, Lucas in the chair next to me asleep, and the t.v. glowing in the dark family room. I loved hearing her gush about her husband and about how he drove 5 mph home from the hospital when their first girl was born. They really are just parents - caring for their children and doing whatever it takes to provide for them. Just like their parents, just like my parents, and just like the parent I hope to be and many of you probably had or are to your children now. Does that make sense? Anyway, Michelle said her focus is on the country, the world that her children will grow up in and she needs to make the best decision for their future. With Barack Obama at our lead I feel confident that we can restore the American spirit and dream and my children will have a bright future.



So there you have it - I'm an Obama girl now! And this is just the first day of the convention. My girl Hillary is tonight. I hope she doesn't screw this up too bad.

I did have Rafa there watching the convention with me. And he was wearing the brand new bandanna I bought for him and playing with his new toy.




See, I told you yesterday his new treats were more for me than him. I have been scoping out this Democratic dog gear at Pet Smart for quite some time but just couldn't bring myself to pay $6 for a chew toy. When we went in on Saturday they had all of their Halloween dog toys out and the patriotic dog toys on sale.... for $1.97 each. Yay! (Big Surprise - they were out of all the elephants, not that I would've bought one. I wonder why so many Democratic toys were left in Alabama? Haha! Rhetorical question.) So Rafa got new gear just in time for the political season! I'm sure he loves it! :)

The Next Design Star

Layla over at The Lettered Cottage is an Alabama girl going after a top spot in next season's HGTV Design Star. Her designs are so calm and beautiful. What an asset she is to our great state! Everyone head on over to her video at HGTV. Be sure to give her some great feedback and, of course, a 5-star rating! Then visit her blog to check out more of her beautiful home, neighborhood, and designs!

Pollo Saltado

Lucas has been talking about making this for a while and he finally did last night. It is a Peruvian dish called Pollo Saltado. When he told me what it was I thought it sounded really weird. French fries and rice? But it was actually pretty good. I had to run to work for a little while yesterday and while I was gone Lucas fixed dinner. How sweet!

Here is the recipe I think he followed.

Here he is finishing up:
Look at that technique! All he needs is a 'Kiss the Cook' apron!

And here was our dinner.
I'm still not sure it looks too good here but it tasted good. It was nice to mix things up a little bit with a cultural recipe. I'm looking forward to going to Colombia and buying a cookbook with local recipes. Then I can cook Colombian for Lucas whenever he likes (though he may have to translate)!


Oh, and since Lucas cooked I had to clean the kitchen. Bummer! At least he doesn't use as many pots and pans as I do!

Weekend In Review - Presents and Parrots

Saturday morning Lucas and I went to pick up Rafa from the vet. Awww, poor guy. I thought he would be out cold or at least droggy. No chance. We picked him up and he was his same wiggly little frantic self. Don't get me wrong, I am glad he is feeling well but I was hoping for a few days of calm, lap dog. He does have some major stitches where they had to go into his abdomen to take out part of his man parts that hadn't 'dropped'. We picked him up a few treats - they turned out to be more for me than him - that I'll talk about more tomorrow after I take a few pics and can show you how cute they are! I'm glad my little man is feeling good, even if he is still humping my arm. Puppy training classes start Friday! Yay! You can be sure we'll be blogging about that!

Saturday afternoon we had a wedding shower for one of Lucas's old college friends and his future wife. They met and live in New Jersey and are pretty cool, laid back people. However, while we were there several of the guests started talking politics and lets just say we didn't share the same opinion. But I was on my best, well-behaved wife manners and didn't say one word (for those of you who know me, you know how hard this was for me). Feel bad for Lucas though because I squeezed his hand off I'm pretty sure. Oh, well. Not everyone can be as smart and knowledgeable as myself. Hehe! :) Only kidding. So here is the beautiful couple with our presents. We picked it off their registry but I thought they were really pretty. Maybe they can serve us some fancy hors d'oeuvres when we visit!


After the shower, we met Chris and Aida at the house and headed off to 'Parrots of the Carribean,' a fundraiser for the Rotary Club in Madison. I got tickets through work so we thought 'why not'! At least it got us out of the house. They had a band with older guys playing cover songs, mostly 70s I'd say. It was okay. Here was the highlight. Some guy brought a real parrot... and I held it! Oh, my!


He didn't talk to me though - the parrot, not the man. His name was Oscar - the parrot, not the man. I don't know what the man's name was.

Anyway, then we went home and I passed out. I'm a bad hostess. (Give me a little break. It was midnight. I don't get out much.)

Sunday it was supposed to rain so we canceled tennis but then it didn't rain. Oh, well. Lucas and I got out to look at houses and found a few floorplans we really love (for our future dream home). But probably the most eventful part of the day was finding a paint color I love in one of the model homes! And it is going up in our master bath. It is a navy blue color that looks so rich on the walls. And it will give me an excuse to re-tile the shower and change the horrible medicine cabinet mirror. I'll share more specifics later when I get started painting. First we at least have to finish up the crown molding in the family room and fix the floor where we widened our door way. We need to get that done so I can show a few after pictures! Stay tuned!

Drumroll Please.......

(Imagine, if you will, the scene from Christmas Vacation with the family in their pajamas on the front lawn each trying their best to imitate a drum roll. Drunk grandma is the best!)

Now that I've set the mood, it's time to pick a winner!

Hello, my little blogging friends. Go on, mingle. Get to know one another!


And here comes the winner. Who could it be? (Please ignore the disaster that is my desk.)


S'More of My Thoughts is the winner! Congratulations!


And here she is at her blog. Go check her out!


And what will she buy? I'm curious to know! A book about r.v.ing (is that a word) for her family perhaps (since that is what they're all about) or maybe a book or two for her children (she home schools so I'm sure she is always needing books). I think she should buy a book for herself. Much deserved, I'm sure. Congratulations!

And thanks to everyone who participated and helped me celebrate my 100th post! Maybe one day soon I'll think of something else interesting to give away without breaking the bank!

Poor Thing

Awww... He's on the operating table right now. :( I feel like such a bad mom. But this will be better for him and me (No more "No, Rafa! Don't hump my arm!").

The Worst Hair Dresser EVER!!!

And NO, she did NOT do my hair!

Just be prepared. This one is long but well worth the read to understand the agony that was my day yesterday.

I don't really know where to begin this story. I'm still having a hard time believing this actually happened. So, I'll just start with a preface. I am generally a very punctual person. I like to be on time. I was a majorette in high school and our band director would always tell us, 'Early is on time. On time is late.' I kind of like that. BUT - I'm a working girl. Specifically, I am working on several campaigns and our election is on Tuesday. TUESDAY! 4 days from now! Needless to say, I'm very, VERY busy at work. But I was so excited to take time out of my day to get my hair done!

I called to set up an appointment with this hairdresser that was referred to me by my friend (thanks, Aida). When she finally returned my phone call she responded 'Well, did she tell you that I have a long wait for appointments?' (now say that in the bitchiest tone you can and that is how it came across). I just thought I was taking it the wrong way and anxiously awaited my appointment a month and a half later!! Enter - yesterday. My appointment. I woke up bright and cheery knowing I would be getting my hair done! Finally an end to this mess!

I don't get out of work as quickly as I would like but I rush as fast as I can to my appointment and am 8 minutes late. Now, I know it is important to be punctual and respect other people's time but that is the best I could do yesterday and whoever cuts my hair will have to understand that because life gets in the way of perfect punctuality sometimes.

ANYWAY ~ I apologize as nicely as possible when I arrive (as any Southern girl would do) and am told

'We generally have a policy that we won't take anyone who is 10 minutes late.'

I keep walking to her booth, not sure if this meant she would or would not do my hair. I set my purse down and hesitantly sat in her chair.

Then she says 'Do you even want to get your hair done?' (again, bitchiest tone possible when you're going through this scene in your head).

I'm trying to be nice but I'm caught a little off guard by this and respond (very hesitantly and nicely, again) 'Yes, of course, but it kind of sounds like you don't want to cut my hair.'

Then she blows off 'ME? I DON'T WANT TO? ME?'

And I responded 'Yes, that is sort of how you are acting.'

'I'M ACTING? ME? WELL - We don't take anyone more than 10 minutes late so you'll just have to reschedule'

At this point I was already up, getting my purse, and headed for the door. Does she really think I'll be rescheduling? I'm actually glad this happened because I wouldn't want someone like that to do my hair. But I was really looking forward to getting my hair done and had waited a month and a half for this girl to refuse to see me because I was 8 (not 10) minutes late. I was furious and upset!

I called Lucas just balling. I wanted my hair done. Was that too much to ask? He said we could wait til Saturday and go to the lady in the next town over who has been doing my hair but that isn't soon enough for me. I decided - screw it, I'll find someone somewhere who'll cut my hair right now. Now, I realize this is a very risky attitude to take with one's own hair but I had had enough. So I went to the mall. Yes, the mall.

I went to Dillards first. 'No, I'm sorry we don't have anyone who can do your hair today. I can make an appointment for you tomorrow if you like?'

'No, thank you.' I cannot wait until tomorrow at this point. Someone needs to do my hair NOW!

So, I walk on down to JC Penny. This is just one step above Master Cuts really and I had contemplated going there - yes, it was a weak moment. Now, anyone who can just take a walk-in appointment for highlights and a cut probably isn't the best hairdresser in the bunch, I realize this. So I'm a little scared when someone can do it. Her name was Rachel - and she was actually good! I think she must be new because it took her FOREVER! 2 and a half hours for partial highlights and a cut. BUT - it was definitely worth it. Thank you, Rachel, for brightening my day and restoring my faith in the hairdressing industry.

So here it is. The reveal!


So here is my referral:
Rachel - JC Penny in the mall, great results - LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
Misty - Hunky Dory, RUDE and a lot of other words that aren't fit to come from a southern lady's mouth - DO NOT GO HERE!

What really gets me is that I know of several people (including my best friend Aida) who get their hair done here from Misty. I know these people wouldn't go to a rude person like this. I talked to Aida about it (which, by the way, she can't believe this happened) and she said she has been more than 10 minutes late before and was never chastised or told about this policy. Why was she so rude to me and nice to everyone else? I've never met the lady before? I really feel sorry for people who are this mean, rude, and negative. She must have a hard life. It would be really hard to have a positive outlook on life with this attitude. But still the question lingers, why so rude to me?

Do you have any horror stories about hairdressers???

***Don't Forget to Enter the Barnes & Noble giveaway!***

You have until 5:00 p.m. (CST)!!!! Get it movin' people!!

Tennis Troubles

I won did not win last night. Lost in a 3rd set tie-break. This picture may give you a little insight about the match. Oh, well. Life goes on. But I was pretty upset about the loss. I'm one of the youngest ones out there on the court and even I'm too old for some of this crap! Get with it ladies! Lines = In!

Other very astonishing news in my life, I'm going to get my hair done this afternoon! It is too embarrassing to tell you how long I've gone since my last appointment. Life gets in the way.... but no more. One day I'll look back and tell my children how much I suffered during our first year of marriage, going ** months without a hair appointment (see... I'm not telling you). It'll be one of those barefoot, up hill in the snow stories, only true. Sad but true.

***Don't Forget to Enter the Barnes & Noble giveaway!***

Tomorrow is the last day, people!!!!

My (future) children will have lots and lots of kisses

"Do not kiss your children so they will kiss you back but so they will kiss their children, and their children’s children."

-- Noah benShea, Poet, philosopher and author of Jacob the Baker, Jacob’s Journey and Remember This My Children.

Summer posted this quote today and it is just the perfect sentiment for our family right now. Although Karson is not mine (wish he were), I feel we must give him lots of kisses. It is amazing to see how the parenting cycle works. It's such a wonderful (yet sometimes cruel) pattern.

***Don't forget my giveaway for a $15 gift card to Barnes and Noble!***

100th Post!!!! Time for My First Give Away!!!

That's right, folks! I've made it to 100! Now for what I know you all really care about. I am doing my first give away! Everyone does these now. Isn't it the 'in' thing to do in the blogosphere? And since I aim to please, I've given into the peer pressure. I've spent my time applying for all of your freebies (unsuccessfully) but haven't hosted by own contest - until now! So what is it that you can win to help me celebrate my blog's first major milestone?

A $15 Gift Certificate to Barnes & Noble!
(Except for yours will say 'Happy Birthday' because it is recycled from a birthday present over a year ago that I still haven't used. Yes, I know. I'm cheap.)

All you have to do to win is leave me a comment professing your absolute love and loyalty to my blog! Ha! j/k But really, leave me a comment and you're entered to win! It is that easy! AND since I am trying to grow this little blog, if you mention this give away in your blog you'll have two entries! I know, right? It just keeps getting better! So enter to win! Deadline to enter will be Friday at 5:00 p.m. (CST) and I'll announce the winner on Monday! It could be you (although chances are it won't be you if you have the luck that I do in these stupid give aways)..... Ummmm.... I mean. It could be you!!!!

So Happy 100th to me!!!! Now I will take a moment to reflect on the last four months of blogging bliss. I started this journey thanks to my good friend Brooke (go check her out), but along the way I have discovered how much I really enjoy having an outlet for my thoughts, no matter how random or boring they may be. Oh, my! I'm getting all emotional! All I can say is 'thank you blogging world for having enough space for me and my ramblings'!

For those of you who are just joining me for the first time (no doubt because you are free loader like myself), here's a quick introduction. I'm a happily married working girl in North Alabama. We bought a house about 10 months ago and are working to fix it up, with the much appreciated help of my parents and grandparents. My husband, Lucas, is from Colombia (South America - not South Carolina or elsewhere). We miss his family very much but are lucky enough (even though I'm a little sad about it) to be spending Christmas and New Years with them this year. We both play tennis - this is how we met at college. I'm always on the court and loving it! Friends and family are both most important to us and one day we'll be happy to start our own little family. But first we have a lot of living to do! Oh, and we have the cutest little puppy named Rafa (short for Rafael, as in Rafael Nadal).

Thanks for stopping by! Please stay and read a while. Lord knows I'll now be stalking all of your blogs!

****(Wow! Look over there! By the 2008! It really says 100!!!!)

Tadaa!

Here he is! I think he is so cute! His face is a little lighter now. He looks so grown up! But he is sooo soft! I wonder if he likes it? You know, we humans really enjoy getting pampered. I wonder if dogs enjoy it, too. Or maybe he didn't like the process but perhaps he feels better now. I wonder..... I hope he feels good. He looks so darn cute!! I don't think he knows what's coming for him on Friday, though. :(

Puppy's First Hair Cut

I dropped off Rafa this morning for his first grooming! I'm so excited to see what he is going to look like. I'm going to pick him up during lunch.

Here is his Cute Little Before Picture taken this morning:


Also, we've scheduled his 'snip, snip' for Friday! I'm sorry, little man! Maybe this will calm him down a little. I'm looking into obediance training now that he is old enough, too. The good one in town is already booked up for September/October classes but I may try Pet Smart or Decatur's community education dog training classes (a lot cheaper but we'll have to drive).

Tree Trimming

We had a notice on our door that Utilities would be trimming some of our trees that are close to power lines. I've been upset with these trees for a while because they let no light into the front yard, therefore we have no grass. Trimming will hopefully help let a little light in but I'm always looking for more. So I called the contact guy listed on the notification and asked if it would be possible to have these trees removed. I didn't think it would work but after speaking with him and meeting him to sign an approval sheet I felt confident that our trees would be coming down. Unfortunately, he called to let me know that there are contract workers out there now and they wouldn't be able to remove them. But next time they send their hourly crews out he will try to have them come by our house. I really hope so! I want at least a few of these down (but I really don't want to pay thousands of dollars for it). Keep your fingers crossed for my front yard forest!

U - S - A !!!!!!!!*

***that is me cheering

James Blake just beat Roger Federer in 2 sets. Wow!!! What a great victory! I love Roger but I'm glad to see an American (James Blake, no less) do well. He should win in the semis, which will probably put him up against Rafa in the finals. Go USA!!

And while I joyfully cheer for USA I (not so) secretly rejoice that Serena and Venus are both out! I should want them to do well for our medal count I suppose but I just don't like those girls (Serena especially, she makes me not like Venus because they are sisters and all).

Micheal Phelps is going for another gold tonight and Hoelzer is swimming her best event. It should be a good night for the USA!

Photo Credit: Yahoo