My sister, mom, and I decided we wanted to see a movie a few weekends ago. Wendy was particularly interested in seeing the final installment of Twilight, Breaking Dawn Part II. Guess what? The drive in is open YEAR ROUND!
In my mind we would pack up the chairs, stuff as many quilts and blankets into the trunk we could fit, buy a cup or five of hot chocolate, set the radio to the right station, and sit out side in the crisp night air and watch the movie on the big screen. This would be perfect because my nephew wanted to watch the movie that was playing on the opposite screen. Killing two birds with one stone I planned to park in the middle section, settle him in the car, listening to the car radio and BAM. Done and Done.
Boy was I wrong.
I sat up camp in front of the car, covered myself in my quilt, and somehow convinced mom and Wendy that it was a great idea. We all set outside for, and I'm pushing it a little, the entire first movie... maybe. It was FREEZING. I swear the temperature dropped 10 degrees in a thirty minute time span.
One by one (and quickly) we all grabbed our blankets, jumped back in the car, made arrangements to have my nephew watch his movie out of the back windshield as we plugged his headphones into the radio. We cranked the heat, turned up our station on the car radio, and enjoyed the movie.
Not sure if it was right or wrong to make a 10 year old watch a drive in movie out of the back windshield but he didn't complain and we all were able to keep our fingers and toes warm. Not to mention it was hysterical watching mom and Wendy tough it out in the cold for a while until one of us had finally broke.
Moral of the story: if attending the drive in during the winter seasons either wear your long johns and bring an extra thermos, double socks, and gloves or prepare to watch only one movie from the inside of your car. It's not the time of year for a compromise.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Breaking the Bank but Still Lovin my Pup
Tucker Jean, who shares the same middle name as my mom so she cannot say I didn't name my first born child after her is my sweet 100 (used to be 111) pound Bernese Mountain Dog. The vet said he was (in hushed voices) overweight and he needed to drop some lbs to keep his hips and back from giving out. Being a little chubby is normally the biggest concern owners have for their pets. Tucker is by no means normal.
I scooped Tucker up in May of 2010 at the ripe old age of 6 weeks old. He was home for six full days when we realized Tuck was a parvo pup. Four vet visits, and a three day hospitalization and against all odds, parvo pup SURVIVED!
What I've learned in the past two and a half years is that parvo pup also has an unprecedented number of allergies, has to eat extremely expensive dog food, hates cats and has been attacked by one, has had two hematomas, two ear surgeries, takes multiple pills per day, and is a hemophiliac. He has been bandaged up for the past two weeks because every time we attempt to take it off he starts to bleed profusely. Apparently hemophilia is a rarity in dogs but no surprised Tuck is effected by the very disease. My boy is a free bleeder. I know this well as I have worn his blood all over my face and clothes numerous times the past few days.
Tucker also spent two weeks at camp as a pup and still doesn't listen. That may be partially my fault but you try to discipline a dog that is the same height as you on his hind legs and is as strong as an ox.
Regardless of the ridiculous amounts of money Tucker continues to cost me, he's extremely cute, sweet, and very protective of the kids, so I love the stinker anyway. Here's to hoping Tuck's upcoming $350 allergy test can answer so many of our unanswered questions and that parvo, allergic, hemophiliac pup gets well soon.
Yes, I'm adding photos of the little/big guy...
I scooped Tucker up in May of 2010 at the ripe old age of 6 weeks old. He was home for six full days when we realized Tuck was a parvo pup. Four vet visits, and a three day hospitalization and against all odds, parvo pup SURVIVED!
What I've learned in the past two and a half years is that parvo pup also has an unprecedented number of allergies, has to eat extremely expensive dog food, hates cats and has been attacked by one, has had two hematomas, two ear surgeries, takes multiple pills per day, and is a hemophiliac. He has been bandaged up for the past two weeks because every time we attempt to take it off he starts to bleed profusely. Apparently hemophilia is a rarity in dogs but no surprised Tuck is effected by the very disease. My boy is a free bleeder. I know this well as I have worn his blood all over my face and clothes numerous times the past few days.
Tucker also spent two weeks at camp as a pup and still doesn't listen. That may be partially my fault but you try to discipline a dog that is the same height as you on his hind legs and is as strong as an ox.
Regardless of the ridiculous amounts of money Tucker continues to cost me, he's extremely cute, sweet, and very protective of the kids, so I love the stinker anyway. Here's to hoping Tuck's upcoming $350 allergy test can answer so many of our unanswered questions and that parvo, allergic, hemophiliac pup gets well soon.
Yes, I'm adding photos of the little/big guy...
Monday, November 12, 2012
Zippers
On our drive home from Athens last weekend Britt and I discovered we both wanted to go ziplining and really, what's the point in waiting? So, we went. The best part was realizing as we signed our waivers guaranteeing no lawsuits for death or dismemberment neither of us had a clue exactly what we were getting ourselves into.
I doubt you'll be surprised when I tell you that we're both now professional zipliners and that I'm considering a career change. I also doubt you'll be surprised when I say that we want to be BFF with our two zip guides. What is surprising is that I'm not sure they felt the same way about us. Seth and Ryan, we're coming back for the lantern tour.
If you're ever in the area and up for a fun afternoon give Carolina Ziplines a call and schedule a tour. You'll have a blast.
Want some photos? Duh!
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Next on our adventure tour... skydiving. If you're interested in coming with, the more the merrier!
I doubt you'll be surprised when I tell you that we're both now professional zipliners and that I'm considering a career change. I also doubt you'll be surprised when I say that we want to be BFF with our two zip guides. What is surprising is that I'm not sure they felt the same way about us. Seth and Ryan, we're coming back for the lantern tour.
If you're ever in the area and up for a fun afternoon give Carolina Ziplines a call and schedule a tour. You'll have a blast.
Want some photos? Duh!
Next on our adventure tour... skydiving. If you're interested in coming with, the more the merrier!
Friday, November 9, 2012
UGA
Last weekend I spent three days with the Shurtleff family in Athens for parents weekend at the University of Georgia. What I learned from this experience is that I'm too old to pretend that I'm back in college for more than a weekend at a time. Seriously, ASU friends, how did we manage non stop partying, drinking, mixers, staying up until 4am AND graduate?
Britt and I are no doubt travel soul mates. I knew I'd love her family immediately and I did. I'm obsessed with them really, and will probably stalk them at the holidays, on vacations, and at work. Is it considered stalking if you warn them ahead of time?
Oh, and if you haven't played Moose Bowl, I'll teach you. It's the newest drinking gamethat I've played and I cannot believe I didn't come up with it myself. Find a pot and an ice tray and call me. I'll bring the brews.
The Dawgs won, we drank, ateKrystals, and celebrated. Perfection at it's finest. I'd make a few recommendations for your next trip to Athens but I cannot remember one bar, restaurant, or shop we visited so just head downtown and let loose.
Here's a fun filled photo recap:
Thanks fam for a great weekend!
Britt and I are no doubt travel soul mates. I knew I'd love her family immediately and I did. I'm obsessed with them really, and will probably stalk them at the holidays, on vacations, and at work. Is it considered stalking if you warn them ahead of time?
Oh, and if you haven't played Moose Bowl, I'll teach you. It's the newest drinking game
The Dawgs won, we drank, ate
Here's a fun filled photo recap:
Thanks fam for a great weekend!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Potter Pumpkin Beer Tasting
When you receive an invite from one of your best friends for a pumpkin beer tasting competition there is no question that yes, I have to attend. Granted, I'll take any excuse to hang out with the bests.
Allison and Mark thought of everything and yes we even had Australian Meat Pies for dinner! You may also ask yourself what a get together is without a backyard bonfire and s'mores. I wouldn't know because they had an outdoor fire too!
I'm devastated to tell you that my beer didn't win but pleased that the beer I intended to purchase (it was sold out at the Teeter) was the winner. So, technically I win by default.
If only I was sitting around the fire sipping cider right now. A girl can dream.
Allison and Mark thought of everything and yes we even had Australian Meat Pies for dinner! You may also ask yourself what a get together is without a backyard bonfire and s'mores. I wouldn't know because they had an outdoor fire too!
I'm devastated to tell you that my beer didn't win but pleased that the beer I intended to purchase (it was sold out at the Teeter) was the winner. So, technically I win by default.
If only I was sitting around the fire sipping cider right now. A girl can dream.
Page Turners
OMG OMG OMG Anne and I had a dream of a book club and it came to life! We, along with new and old friends, met for our first Page Turners meeting last week. It was amazing. We had tons of fun and lots of laughs and we picked our first book. So, those of you who are interested in attending, we have an open door policy and those of you who cannot attend, feel free to read along with us.
Our first book is... are you ready... fire up your Kindle or hit Barnes and Noble... Gone Girl!
Marriage can be a real killer.
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
We had to take a few photos to celebrate our first successful meeting. For your viewing pleasure, please enjoy.
Our first book is... are you ready... fire up your Kindle or hit Barnes and Noble... Gone Girl!
Marriage can be a real killer.
On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?
As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?
We had to take a few photos to celebrate our first successful meeting. For your viewing pleasure, please enjoy.
Paddles Up
My friend Allison invited me to a United Way charity auction, Handbags for Literacy last week. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but I love trying new things and charity events so what could go wrong? Our friend Amanda came along too and had me pumped as she explained how auctions work and her previous experiences. Needless to say I was excited. We all had our eye on #34, a beautiful Rachel Zoe bag you can purchase for me from Nordstrom or Neiman Marcus. Clearly, I walked away empty handed since I'm asking you to buy it for me now.
I can be a bit competitive and when a Lily Pulitzer bag was up for auction my paddle went up. It didn't help that I had Allison and Mary behind me chanting "it's for the children". If nothing else, I certainly raised the price of the bids.
I walked away without a Lily or Rachel Zoe bag but I hope their new owners take very good care of them. They really are works of art.
In celebration of our attempts to purchase new handbags (remind you, for a good cause) we spent the remainder of Thursday evening pretending we were out of towners and bar hopping. Finishing the night with our not so best karaoke rendition of Wannabe. Note to self: pick three fabulous karaoke songs and stick to them.
I decided against publishing any photos from after the auction for my own dignity and the dignity of my friends.
I can be a bit competitive and when a Lily Pulitzer bag was up for auction my paddle went up. It didn't help that I had Allison and Mary behind me chanting "it's for the children". If nothing else, I certainly raised the price of the bids.
I walked away without a Lily or Rachel Zoe bag but I hope their new owners take very good care of them. They really are works of art.
In celebration of our attempts to purchase new handbags (remind you, for a good cause) we spent the remainder of Thursday evening pretending we were out of towners and bar hopping. Finishing the night with our not so best karaoke rendition of Wannabe. Note to self: pick three fabulous karaoke songs and stick to them.
I decided against publishing any photos from after the auction for my own dignity and the dignity of my friends.
Boston
I have one word of advice. If you haven't been to Boston, GO! It is such a welcoming, friendly, fun city and so easy to navigate. There were bounds of street acts. We literally walked the same block four times and found new adventures around every corner. Government Center (Govy if you ask the locals) became an instant favorite.
I have an obsession with flash mobs. The idea of tons of people coming together to entertain a crowd is pure amazement to me. Britt and I walked straight into a flash mob and my response was to burst into tears. It was a little something like this reaction...
Oh, and what's a trip blog without a few photos!?!?
I have an obsession with flash mobs. The idea of tons of people coming together to entertain a crowd is pure amazement to me. Britt and I walked straight into a flash mob and my response was to burst into tears. It was a little something like this reaction...
How do you top a flash mob on your first day in Boston? Well, I'm not sure you can but the best way to recover from a night of drinks at Top of the Hub with friends is by going on a Boston Duck Tour.
Sit back, relax, and let (in our case, Ray) your Duck guide show you the way. From land to water and a few quacks in between. If you love playing tourist, I definitely recommend it.
Fully recovered, we headed to dinner at Bella Luna and the Milky Way Club. Unbeknownst to Britt or myself our dinner spot turned into a Latin Dance Club at 11:00pm. Of course we had to stay and take full advantage of the opportunity. After we found a little courage and joined our new friends in the club we bolted once we realized our lack of Latin dance knowledge.
The Beehive was definitely more our scene and we loved it even more when the drink list consisted of FOUR pages of champagne options.
A trip to Boston is not complete without an afternoon at Harvard. Our attempts to look like students was unsuccessful once we realized all the legitimate students were inside studying and the rest of the campus was covered with tourists and visitors, like ourselves. This did not stop us from purchasing real and true Harvard memorabilia, or sneaking into a building to play student when we found an unlocked door.
The rest of the trip was pure amazement. When you visit, because you will, be sure to visit all of these places...
Oh, and what's a trip blog without a few photos!?!?
Expect to see photos from Fenway and the Sam Adams Brewery on my next adventure to Boston!
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