Life's Little Quirks

Czech Off My List

2012-01-04T18:14:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year, all!

Have a good four days so far?

Me, too.

So, I guess you want some sort of update or recap of 2011, Brittni-style, yes?

All right.

2011 was a great year.

I got married.

I moved to a new town.

I got a new job.

I went to a new church.

A lot of news.

For 2012, I plan to make more news.

What news? I'm not sure yet.

Yesterday, I got to celebrate my 28th birthday.

So, that was new.

This much closer to 30.

That show ThirtySomething will now

be relevant to me.

(Probably not, those people were bo-ring.)

Another new thing that I'm trying

is baking bread.

So far, so good.

2012 is "Year of Bread."

This is Honey Beer Bread.

It is quite tasty.

(secret ingredient (not so secret) Blue Moon Wheat Ale)

I got it from Gimme Some Oven.

Tonight, I'm making Irish Brown Bread.

Pretty stoked.

Baking bread makes my kitchen smell amazing.

I think I will do it all the time now.

Are there any bread recipes that you would

like me to try? And then send to you, if it's any good?

I will totally do it.

I mean, if you want to get me a belated birthday present,

you could always pick up a bread cookbook of some kind.

I'll make my blog about bread.

Change "Life's Little Quirks" to

"May the Yeast Be Ever in My Favor"

(If you don't get that reference, read The Hunger Games.)

Also, I got one of my Christmas presents

super late, as it came in the mail yesterday (on my b'day)

and it was shipped from the Czech Republic.

Awesome.

From an etsy shop called handz.

Did I mention it was made in the Czech Republic?

Miss me?

2011-12-12T08:16:00.001-06:00

I opened an Etsy store, just so you know.

CraftyOHoolihan.

(For those who are not my facebook friends,

Crafty Crafterson was taken...surprisingly.)

For now, I'm just selling cookie cutter ornaments.

If I'm feeling crafty again this week, I may try to make something else.

These are cookie cutter ornaments.

Inspired by Martha, of course.

Super easy to make...but not that easy, haha.

And only $2.50 each!!

What are your plans this Christmas?

(This is the my first Christmas as Mrs. Scott,

so this year should be interesting.)

Decoupage a Pumpkin.

2011-09-26T18:18:00.001-05:00

Hey, guess what?

It's fall.

I chilled out for the remainder of the summer and didn't blog.
I bet you didn't even miss me. (Not fishing...)

I baked a little bit. Chocolate Peanut Butter cupcakes and mini oreo cheesecakes. Not bad, especially since I baked them in the same week.

I also got back around to making a neat-o wedding photo book on Shutterfly for some Christmas gifts.
Since I ordered before the 28th, I got 20 percent off my order!! Always good.
The preview for the wedding book should be on the post before this one.

Looking forward to going thrifting, so that I can find some cool picture frames for our wedding photos.

And as much as I hate to admit it, I love living in the South. When I was younger, like most people, I longed to live somewhere else... anywhere else. However, I discovered that the quirks that I so disliked when I was young, have grown on me to where I will annoy my children with them as well.
Example numero uno: Constant reader of Southern Living. I love the recipes, the photos of the seasons in the South, and the many, many, many festivals that are held all over the southeast. This Saturday, Jesse and I are going to the annual Greek Festival in Birmingham. I love this festival. The food is amazing. The music and dancing are great and the little shops are so charming. (Last year, Jesse was thisclose to buying my engagement ring there. Just sayin'.)

One thing I miss since I moved from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham is the chaos of Alabama football. The Friday before the game, the town is swamped with fans walking around campus, shopping at the Supe Store, setting up for tailgating, etc. The Saturday of the game, Tuscaloosa's a bigger madhouse than the day before. Traffic is unbearable, people have begun to begin drinking heavily before noon (which on Alabama game days is always acceptable...not really), the smell of barbecue and other deliciousness fills the air. I'm hoping that Jesse and I can make it down to Tuscaloosa for at least one tailgate. Mmmm...

Hope you enjoy these things as much as I do.
Have a great Monday.

Photo Book

2011-09-26T18:10:00.001-05:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Union Invasion

2011-07-31T18:42:00.001-05:00

As you have probably guessed, I don't blog very often anymore...

I'm sorry.

By the time I get home from work, I just don't think about it.

However, I wanted to share some pictures from Jesse's and my trip

to Nashville yesterday as it was A Number One.

Let me just preface by saying that I got an iPhone, so

I downloaded hipstamatic and have used it non-stop

to much chagrin from my doting husband.

Haha.

I always have to get a picture of Jesse driving us

on our road trips.

He hates these pictures, but half-way approved this one.

First sign to Nashville on I-65.

Awesome.

Confederate grave in the Old Town Cemetery

in Athens, Alabama.

Old timey gas station in Athens, Alabama.

I wish it were open with attendants and the

little rope thingy that dings when you drive over it.

Like in Back to the Future.

Farmers Market in Pulaski, Tennessee.

There were some caches and benchmarks here,

but I convinced Jesse to walk around the market

with me and buy some bread and butter pickles.

Yum.

Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant

in Franklin, TN.

Ate lunch with the hubs and my BFF, Mizz Baker!

This place was awesome, even though the wait was a little long,

the food was delicious and totally worth it.

Both Jesse and I got the BBQ sandwich and fries, while

Haley got the burger and fries.

Looking forward to visiting again and trying something else

as delicious.

Outer space room in the Adventure Science Museum

in Nashville, TN.

We went for the GPS Maze and stayed for the playhouse

and space room. We are nerds.

While Jesse looked for a cache,

I checked out the surroundings of Fort Negley,

which was a fort built by Union soldiers

after defeating the Confederates in Nashville.

Pretty neat fort remains.

Originally, I wanted to go to a place in downtown Nashville,

but we headed back to Franklin after being given bogus directions

on Scout Mob/Google Maps...lame-o.

So we went to McCreary's Pub.

Shepherd's Pie.

(Technically, Cottage Pie since it was made

with beef instead of lamb.)

Delicious.

I will be developing this recipe

for the winter.

It was like eating a delicious bowl of vegetable beef soup (with less soup)

with a big scoop of mashed potatoes covered in cheddar.

Can't go wrong with that.

I hope you enjoyed this short recap of another crazy

trip from the Scotts.

Now I must get back to watching Beauty and the Beast.

Have a great week.

Sun Drop

2011-07-17T20:41:00.002-05:00

Where have I been you ask?

Good question.

Lazy, I guess.

Also, without computer access during the day,

because of my new JOB!

Since last week, I've been taking care

of the kiddies at a Birmingham child care center.

My husband claims I'm better utilizing my gifts

as a toddler teacher.

He may just be right.

I really do enjoy playing with kids all day long,

however, I think I will go back to school for that

counseling degree so that I can help prepare

those kiddies for grown up life when they go to

big kid school.

Jesse and I also visited my long lost hometown, Tuscaloosa,
(so long after a week...haha),

to celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

at our friend's house, where we had a Potter Party.

It was super fun and we got to catch up with old friends.

Afterwards, we stood in line for a while to watch the midnight show!

Even though I felt blah for the whole of the day on Friday,

the movie was so good and I'm so glad we go to see it.

Yes, I fell asleep right after getting home on Friday night. Haha.

Yesterday, Jesse and I (along with Jesse's friend, Nathan)

took a little trippy to Best Buy to get me a new phone.

After using regular phones aka phone/text only for the past 10 years,

I have now switched over to the iPhone.

Oh yeah. It's awesome. You know what else is awesome?

Charlie's BBQ in Odenville and finding out neat facts about Gadsden State Community College.

(Kent State, film from 1981, was filmed there because the board at Kent State wouldn't allow it to be filmed on the original location and GSCC looks astoundingly similar.)

I hope you had a wonderful weekend as well.

You're my silver medal.

2011-07-08T07:30:00.000-05:00

Hey, you guys! (Think Sloth from The Goonies)

Look what I have.

Pictures from the SCOTT wedding.

That's right. E. Mudge and her fabulous assistant, Rachel

took these wonderful photos.

Get ready.

I'm only going to post a few, because there's like

600 pictures... and you don't want to go through all

of them with me, do you?

Didn't think so.

Anywho...

Let's start the show!

Yep, I wore TOMS.

My dress. On a door. At the 2420.

My dress. On me. At the 2420.

The bottom of my TOMS.

Yes, Jesse wrote that I'm his "sole"mate.

Since there are so many I won't make you scroll forever.

I'll post again this afternoon.

If you see a bear, don't shoot it.

2011-07-06T07:30:00.000-05:00

Hey.

Guess what today is.

It's National Kissing Day.

That's right.

Grab your mouthwash and minty fresh gum

and grab your special one

and give 'em a big smack on the lips today.

Also, watch this new video

from The Civil Wars.

It's a cover of an Elliott Smith

song that they do a much better

job of singing. (In my opinion, of course)

Backwards Contacts

2011-07-05T07:30:00.000-05:00

Tuesday that feels like a Monday.

4-day work week for my last week

at The University of Alabama.

Could it get any better than that?

Last week of getting my favorite iced coffee

from Chloe's Cup.

I didn't even pick up a coffee card today

after I had used mine on Friday,

because I knew I wouldn't achieve the

10 coffees for one free one

anytime soon.

Must scout coffee shops near

my new job this weekend...

alas I will not have time.

I am preparing for Lindsey's baby shower

on Saturday, but will first celebrate

Girls' Night with the ladies

on Friday and make the many

baby shower cupcakes there.

I'm using some Party City

items to add to the decor

with the Hot Pink/Lime Green

color scheme.

It's going to look awesome.

Also, did anyone else know that

the Social Security office would be

so jam-packed with people today?

And during the lunch hour, too...

And once you give them the info

it takes TWO WEEKS for a new card

to come in the mail.

I'm an idiot.

Have a great Tuesday.

Ladies Lunch

2011-07-01T07:30:00.000-05:00

I love ladies lunches.

They usually consist of a fabulous restaurant

in Tuscaloosa at noon on Fridays

with some of my favorite people,

where we eat lunch and talk for

a much longer time than my lunch hour

actually allows.

It's the best.

Next week will be my last spent working

in Tuscaloosa. I'm excited to start my

new job, but still a bit hesitant and scared

to leave where I've worked for the past 3 years.

Hopefully, the ladies won't mind driving up

to Birmingham to visit me for Saturday ladies lunches.

That would be awesome.

Thanks, Julie, for suggesting Bento today.

I'm sad that you had to miss today.

And I hope you feel better soon.

Blogosphere, Schmogosphere.

2011-06-29T07:30:00.000-05:00

Hello, Wednesday.

How are ya?

Preparing for the weekend

already???

Yeah, me too.

Guess where Jesse and I are going?

Spring Valley Beach, sahn. (haha)

I've never been there before, but I am hoping

for some "fun in the sun."

And a good sunburn to start my summer tan.

It should be a good time with my hubs and

SHC friends.

Trois Mariages

2011-06-28T07:30:00.001-05:00

Well, the three engaged couples of Safe Haven

are finally married off.

(At least the ones that were engaged within a month of each other.)

Jesse and I were first in April,

and then the Praters began the month of June

as husband and wife,

and now The Morris's

have ended the month

with their legally-binding sermon.

It was amazing going through the past 6 months

experiencing the ups and downs of planning

a wedding and talking about our expectations

for our weddings and marriages.

Cheers to all of the new happy couples.
We love you

and wish you a wonderful life

for years and years to come.

Preggers

2011-06-24T07:30:00.000-05:00

Haha, don't worry it's not me, yet.

However, it seems all of my other

married lady friends are making 2011,

the year of getting pregnant and having babies.

Two just found out

and three have just recently found out

what the gender of the baby will be.

Let me just say...

lots and lots of girls...

haha.

Having all of these friends

does make me kind

of anxious for Jesse and me

to start, so that we won't be

so behind and our kids can be

around the same ages.

But, oh well.

If you want to follow

one of my friends and the

growth of her baby,

follow her here.

Have a great Friday!

Slappy...swappy...swanson...

2011-06-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

Hey, guess what?

Jesse and I have been married for two months!

Crazy, huh?

Time has definitely flown by

and I'm anxious/excited to see what the rest of the

year holds for us.

And for some reason I

have am really into

listening to Yo-Yo Ma

play some Bach.

Especially Suite for Solo Cello No. 1 in G Major.

It's really good. And quite soothing.

(And also, I have also remembered

this from the movie The Prince and Me)
Yeah, don't act like you didn't go

to the theater like 4 times,

because you thought their romance was lovely.

You really didn't?

Whatevs, I guess that was just me.

Haha.

Happy two months, hubs.
I love you.

-B

Blinkers

2011-06-20T07:30:00.001-05:00

Monday.

Swell.

Time to think of better things.

My hubs.

He's awesome.

Don'tcha know?

He's super sweet and

he helps me cook

desserts for Father's day.

(Peach cobbler, anyone?)

This is not a picture of the one we made,

but it looked pretty darn similar.

And tasted delicious.

He also watches girly movies

with me like Where the Heart Is

and the like, just because...

He takes care of me,

when I have migraines.

And he walks me to

the door when I leave super

early in the morning,

even when he doesn't have

to wake up until later.

He plans out fun

trips and cool stops at

neat-o sites.

This past weekend we drove through

Shelby and Chilton counties,

looking for caches, benchmarks, and the like..

and stopped at The University of Montevallo

and a peach stand for some yet-to-be tasted peaches

and bread and butter pickles, which have been tasted.

I think that Jesse and I should make our own.

They would be great.

Have a great Monday.

I'm looking forward to the weekend.

eWash

2011-06-15T07:30:00.001-05:00

So, last night Jesse and I tried to watch

on the ol' Netflix, but alas

the connection was lame-o

and the picture was choppy

and the sound started to break.

Boo.

However,

we did get an overall view

of the different families

and cultures that were represented.

All of those babies were super cute.

And I know that this is a cultural thing,

but I couldn't watch the Namibian family

without cringing... the moms were eating bread

that they were dipping in something

and it just looked super gross..

and then the babies were putting all manner

of rocks and dirt in their mouths... (which grosses me out here, too)

All of the families were so great with their babies,

despite not having some modern "conveniences"

that we in America consider normal.

Here's a little video on babies
that I think you'll enjoy:

Have a great Wednesday!

Dapper Dan

2011-06-14T07:30:00.000-05:00

Don't think I'm a lame-o or anything, but

I was on the radio this morning.

I also think that I was a little

overly excited. Let's say that I

did a happy dance after my conversation

with the deejay. Haha.

But first, let me back up and

tell you why I was on the radio.

I didn't call to win anything,

but to comment on

electronic devices on airplanes.

There is a new article out

saying that using an ipod, ipad,

cell phone, etc. on airplanes,

while in flight, may be dangerous.

So Mojo and the rest of the Rock 99.5

crew were talking about it and

said that Mythbusters should

do a show about it and prove it or bust it.

So.... I immediately called to tell them

that Adam and Jamie from the show

had already done an episode about that

very topic.

I was very excited that I remembered this

particular episode and after telling the dude

about this and hanging up I was very

anxious to hear myself on the radio,

especially since sometimes I've been

known to country-fy my accent...

but I felt confident that I sounded

smart and coherent... unlike a lot of their listeners.

(Snob alert)

After about 15 minutes,

they finally aired the question

and I was the first person used

to answer it! The next two

had the same answer I did.

Boom roasted.

2011-06-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

I wish that I had cared more about PBS earlier in life.

I may have known a bit more sooner...

but alas... I didn't and see now that

PBS has improved their programming

ten-fold and I am anxious to see more of

what they have to offer.

Did that sound incredibly geeky?

Yes?

Anywho, recently I found a six episode series

called Auschwitz: Inside the Nazi State.

It's one of the most informative documentaries

that I have seen in recent years,

especially because it highlights the history

of not only the events that took place,

but an in-depth look at the people

who perpetrated this mass murder

and the people who suffered because of it.

One of the things that I absolutely enjoy about this series

is that I feel like I could outline an entire course to teach

and also, because Linda Ellerbee from Nick News

is the discussion emcee for the last five minutes of

each episode. I wish I had liked Nick News

when I was younger, too.

There's yet another master's program that

I would like to pursue.

Just add it to the list.

Master's in history,

specializing in Holocaust Studies.

It would probably coincide with the

Religious Studies department as well.

How are you spending your summer free time?

Oh, Freshmen.

2011-06-09T07:30:00.000-05:00

Saw this on Pinterest this morning.

Dude phone

2011-06-07T07:30:00.000-05:00

I've got a loaner.

Phone, that is.

Not the car from The Mask.

I'm so glad that I have even A phone,

because one, I don't feel so

uneasy driving home, and two,

when I listen to the radio in

the mornings, I can call in and comment

on the subject of the day.

For instance,

this morning I was without a phone,

but anxious to comment

on the fights that broke out

at another water/theme park,

the very famous,

Alabama's own,

Alabama Adventure,

formerly Visionland.

The question again was

"What is up with America's youth?"

My question is

"What is up with EVERYONE?"

Thoughts?

Phone-o is finito.

2011-06-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Well, the LG Shine that I have kept alive for

over two and a half years now,

has finally decided that it should no longer work.

Boo.

It was quite unnerving to drive from B'ham to

Tuscaloosa today, because I just

knew today would be the day

that my car would break down

on the interstate and I would

have no means of getting in touch with

my hubby. No bueno.

I also had another bad dream

about tornadoes.

What's that about?

This one was in Tuscaloosa again,

but it was headed straight for my mom's house.

She and my brother were ok.

However, the hospital was completely destroyed (like exploded

right in front of me)

and it was on the wrong side of 15th street

(it was where Northington Elementary resides).

It was incredibly too real for my taste

and I would rather not relive that in

my dreams or reality.

On a happier note,
Jesse and I went to Jameson and

Brianne's wedding at Rosewood Mansion

in Pinson, AL.

You remember them, right?

And the awesome proposal in December?

Well, here are some cute pics from yesterday.

It was literally HELL hot,

but the ceremony was beautiful

and I'm so glad that we got to

go and see our friends' covenant

to one another.

Right now, they should be

living it up in Hawaii!!

Awesome.

Have a great Monday!

My Huckleberry Friend

2011-06-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

After reading a friend's blog today

and get updated on their family matters...

I was redirected to another bloggy,

{just.lovely.things},

where this lady does some precious crafties...

and posts some very nice music.

which i will now steal and post for you.

I hope you enjoy this song as much as do.

Patty Griffin also does a beautiful rendition of

this song as well.

Also, I know I promised you pictures from our trip from Memorial day weekend,

but had some technical difficulties with getting the cd to give me the photos.

Jerky cd.

Anyway, Jesse posted some on facebook today,

so I am stealing just one.

This is us at the University of Cincinnati,

ON the football field.

Yeah, apparently anyone can

wander off of the street there and just

hang out at the stadium.

Working out, studying, taking

random pictures, etc.

So, if you're ever in Ohio,

stop on by and play an impromptu

game of football or ultimate frisbee.

I'm pretty sure it's allowed.

Where Have All My Ponytail Holders Gone?

2011-06-01T07:30:00.002-05:00

I'm a commuter.

I also listen to various radio stations

to keep myself occupied on my

trip into town,

including Rock 99.5

with Mojo in the Morning.

I usually enjoy a little banter

in between songs

and today was no different.

However, today they talked

about a fight that broke out

at Point Mallard in Decatur, AL

on Memorial Day.

Apparently two girls got into

a serious fist fight and beat the crap

out of each other, which resulted in the

park being closed early to prevent

more injuries to others not directly involved.

Anyway, the question that Mojo posed

was "How has bullying gotten so bad

and why are so many girls meaner these days?"

And not to be a jerk, but

not one intelligent person called

in to discuss this topic.

Most of the callers were

men, who I couldn't understand

because their accents were so

thick and they were too busy blaming

the government and boys that wear baggy pants.

What in the world?

I'm sure you're asking me,

why didn't you call in, Brittni?

Well, my phone is terrible and

it dies whenever I try to use for more than

one minute increments, which is no bueno.

However, had I called in,

I would have spoken not about one factor,

but many.

Mojo spoke about the blame solely on the parents,

and yes, I completely agree that parents have

given up a lot of authority and responsibility,

when it comes to raising children now.

But also, children are getting dumber

because their education system is failing

them. And not in the "I'm literally failing you

and you can't progress to the next grade."

More like, "I'm going to pass you, because

I don't get paid enough to enjoy my job

and care about the welfare of my students

and future of America."

Children are no longer

taught respect for others

or themselves

and are now only taught to look

out for number one.

I thought my verse of the day

was pretty poignant for this topic,

because if everyone adhered

to this we wouldn't have

to worry about closing a water park

because two girls couldn't control themselves.

Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

~ Proverbs 11:2

Babes in Toyland

2011-05-31T07:30:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!

Jesse and I spent ours out of town

traveling up to Ohio

into Cincinnati.

(Hence the Babes in Toyland reference,

don't get it? Here's a clip to help.

And yes, that is Keanu Reeves and Drew Barrymore.

You're welcome.

We drove up to Athens, TN on Friday

to get a head start on our activities for the weekend

and we drove through Kentucky into Pleasant Hill

to see the old Shaker village (more on that tomorrow)

and into Lexington to see The University of Kentucky.

And a place from Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives

called Parkette Drive-In.

We had originally planned to eat

there for dinner, but it looked super sketch.

Anywho, we continued on up to Ohio!

I will post more about this tomorrow,

when I can actually show you pictures.

That's all for today.

Sugar

2011-05-25T07:30:00.000-05:00

This photo was sent to me today

by a friend.

Totally precious.

Is it Wednesday already?

Crazy.

Baking Frenzy

2011-05-24T07:30:00.000-05:00

I am so anxious to start baking again...

I just haven't had the time,

since before my wedding.

aka "Cheesecake extravaganza"

I am currently compiling a list

of a recipes for cakes

and cookies.

Mostly from "I am Baker."

This lady is amazing.

Rose Cake

Black-eyed Susan Cake

Cheesecake in a Jar

Rose cookies

Lemon Vanilla Cake

Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

(I LOVE the cute and simple decorations

on this one.)

These are just a few of the

many creations

that I am Baker has made

that I would like to duplicate.

I would of course give her creative

credit for these fabulous treats.

I think I will start with a baby shower.

Which cake/cookies should I choose?

New Store Alert

2011-05-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

I know I have mentioned her before,

but check out my friend, Haley,

and her new Etsy shop!

It's filled with lovely antique-y jewelry goodies!

Whistle Blower Style 1

Time Heals Style 1

Under Lock & Key Style 1

And these are just a few of the many different

pieces that Haley has made in the past

couple of months.

She also has a trunk show

going on at Belle La Vie (?)

in Tuscaloosa.

So, if you're here in T-town,

make a trip there

and grab an awesome necklace

or pin.

They are pretty sweet.

And one-of-a-kind.

Have a great day!

Brittni is Bothered.

2011-05-21T08:32:00.007-05:00

If you are unfamiliar with this concept,

refer to Jimmy Fallon

for Robert is Bothered.

Hilarious.

Any who, I'm bothered.

And I'll tell you why.

Students on bicycles bother me.

Not regular cyclists,

because they know what they are doing.

Students, and more specifically UA students

are idiots when it comes to riding a bicycle around Tuscaloosa

and campus.

This morning, a girl rode her bike across the road

without acknowledging cars that we going

on GREEN, mind you, and then she turned and rode

in the perpendicular lane.

She also had a coffee in her hand,

so she was riding her bike with one hand.

Skilled in that? Yes.

Skilled in rules of the road? NO!

Please excuse the crudity of this model...

it's not to scale...

and it's terrible.

BUT, you get the idea.

For some reason,

all UA students

have it in their heads

that no matter what type of

contraption they are or are

not on, they are allowed to cross the street

whenever they please, despite a green light

or walk signal.

It bothers me.

Also, there's a hill down by the parking deck

near the Ferguson center

and bikers frequently bike down the hill

THROUGH the stop sign.

Not cool.

Someone's going to get seriously hurt.

Some dummy has already ridden

their bike into my friend's car,

who was stopped.

Wow.

I'm an advocate of registering all student bikes

on campus and making them take a written

test for bike rules.

It could even be incorporated into the

common sense course that I would

love to teach.

Credit for school, people.

Get on board with that, y'all.

Here's a small step to

learning the rules of the road.

New Band Alert

2011-05-20T07:30:00.001-05:00

Ok, so I heard these ladies

a couple of days ago

and didn't know what to think of

them at first, because

they sound so similar to

The Andrews Sisters...

If you are in a WWII era mood

for some swinging music,

these are the ladies

you need to listen to.

They are delightful.

Also, they don't only sing

the oldies...

they cover some new material as

well.

Samples are to your right.

Cheers!

Happy Friday!

(It is Friday, correct?)

MOH-zilla!

2011-05-19T07:30:00.000-05:00

So...I saw Bridesmaids recently

and it was hilarious.

I won't give too much away,

because I'm sure you want to see

it and not have it spoiled by me.

I highly recommend this flick,
because it's awesome AND
it has such a great cast!

Kristen Wiig
Maya Rudolph
Melissa McCarthy (aka Sookie in Gilmore Girls)
Rose Byrne
Chris O'Dowd (my favorite Irishman from The IT Crowd)
Jon Hamm (Need I say more?)
Ellie Kemper (The Office!)

And Brits that play Wiig's roommates
in the movie are amazingly funny.

There's a scene in the trailer with them.

"At first I didn't know it was your diary,
it thought it was a sad, handwritten book."

Go and see it.
If you want, I will go again.
Just sayin'.

Shake N' Bake.

2011-05-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

Dwight Schrute

(Acting Manager)

Oh my dear sweet 8lbs. 6oz. baby Jesus.

This is not going to be pretty.

Happy Friday...the 13th!

Dun...dun...dun......!!!!!

Losing Track

2011-05-12T11:47:00.000-05:00

So, I'm losing track of the days.

I don't know why.

Anywho, recently my historical interests

in World War II and the Holocaust

were sparked after watching

a documentary called A Film Unfinished.

It's a film about the Warsaw Ghetto during

the war and the collection of films that were

made during the period that it was active.

It showcased a film that had no soundtrack

and no notes for the purpose of its use, except of

course for propaganda.

Scenes of men, women, and children

were shot (and apparently staged)

so that others outside the area

may know that the Jews there

weren't being mistreated

and they were living it up as always, except

confined within a 3-mile territory.

Nothing wrong with that, right?

Some of the footage is very shocking

because it shows how poor the conditions were

and yet the next scene would show a woman

alone in an apartment preparing for a tea party.

The roads were filled with pedestrians

who obviously had one disease or another,

most likely, typhus, which was common

in squalor conditions such as these.

All these images made me think of

the film, The Pianist, with Adrian Brody.

Such a great film, and I'm telling you that

the filmmakers definitely watched footage similar

to this documentary, because their scenes

were almost identical.

I was also reminded of Frederic Chopin.

Mainly, because Brody's character, Wladyslaw Szpilman

was a classical pianist, who played many pieces for

Polish Radio, before it was shut down by the Nazis

after the occupation of Poland.

Even though you probably want to see

images of this film,

I won't show it, because it is very sad and

I get angry and depressed at the same time

just watching it.

Moving on, I'm almost finished with A Film Unfinished

I'm learning even more than I already knew about

Warsaw Ghetto and eventual uprising against the Nazis.

You know what's really sad?

Is that hatred and treatment of people

is still like this in some countries

and no one has stopped it.

Gotta Wear Shades

2011-05-10T07:30:00.001-05:00

I figured I've been bumming everyone out lately, so

I am showing a clip from Conan today.

It's Demetri Martin.

Enjoy.

Also, I'm hoping that I can go to Moe's

to get a delicious burrito today.

That is all.

Heat Exhaustion

2011-05-09T07:45:00.003-05:00

Even though Jesse and I barely worked a full four hours

out in the sun. It was still hellaciously hot and we

were extremely tired both physically and emotionally

(at least I was) afterwards.

Like I said in my last post,

we stopped to fill our bellies at Five Guys,

which in my opinion has the best burgers ever.

Jesse will disagree and say Hamburger Heaven.

Sorry.

Anyway, we ordered and patiently waited

for our food, because after working

in the conditions that we did,

you become appreciative of everything

you're given.

A few people even stopped to talk

to us after seeing our Samaritan's Purse t-shirts.

It was incredibly humbling to speak with

these people who treated us like heroes.

Not to be cliché or anything, but I'm seriously

no hero.

I worked for a few hours outside.

There are others who continuously

do this without asking for compensation or thanks (although

I'm sure they receive plenty of one or the other).

I have friends that I have volunteered everyday.

They are superheroes.

There are others who will drive around these sites

and pass out water, gatorade. etc to those

who are working,

just so that they can contribute to relief.

They are superheroes.

There are others who

read articles about women

and children whose lives have

been completely altered by this event

and call them trash.

They are villians.

(I would tell you where I read that article,

but I don't want to make any more people

more angry than I am at the responses

that I have seen toward this destruction. Disgusting.)

However, there is one thing that I will post that

is interesting. A poem.

Again, if you want to volunteer, please do.

helptuscaloosa.org is a wonderful resource.

Go and do some good.

Smashed Finger

2011-05-09T07:30:00.001-05:00

Saturday, Jesse and I joined the Samaritan's Purse disaster relief

as volunteers at Garywood Assembly of God

in Hueytown, Alabama.

A Samaritan's Purse bus was stationed there

to receive any and all volunteers

who were willing to work

just a few hours in order

to relieve even a little bit of

stress from families in the Pleasant Grove

area who had lost everything.

We both arrived at the volunteer site

very nervous and unsure as to what

we were supposed to expect

from the organization or even do in the

"war zone."

We filled out the necessary paperwork

and were then given t-shirts and instructed to

attend the training session in the back area.

It was there that I realized that my Chacos

were probably not the best footwear to choose

for this effort, but hey, they worked.

There were several big groups of teams

that had volunteered and a couple two-three person

teams (including Jesse and myself). There was also

one lady, who had driven by herself from Atlanta,

just to see what she could do to help.

We were sent to a house that needed

debris cleared from their backyard.

And one or two trees had fallen

and needed to be cut and taken to the road.

I don't think we were helping

at this house for more than two hours,

but let me tell you that walking big buckets

of debris back and forth up and down hill

can be slightly taxing in the outrageous heat

that Alabama has to offer.

I won't lie. I got sick. Twice.

The team leader announced that we were pretty

much done with the site and asked if we would

like to go to another one...far, far worse.

Jesse was hesitant to let us go over there,

because I had gotten sick,

but I didn't want to make our ride

(three very gracious Auburn fans

from Oak Mountain) have to take us

back early, because they wanted to work a bit more.

It took about 20 minutes to go a few blocks

through the neighborhood,

because the destruction there was so great

that many roads were closed due to workers

clearing trees and other large debris.

Also, many of the road signs were gone

and the only way you knew what address

someone was is if they spray painted it on

their exterior walls or on a large wooden sign (if their house was completely gone.)

We finally made it to the site and it was a two-story house,

which was converted into a one-story by the tornado.

The roof was completely gone and walls were missing.

The chimney had detached and bricks were strewn about the property.

We were instructed to collect the debris and take it to the road

for the service workers to pick up.

This didn't seem as back-breaking as the first job,

especially since we couldn't carry too many objects at

a time, because of the lack of wheelbarrows and buckets.

We did have one thing though.

A bobcat.

Not the animal, the miniaturized front-end loader

that could pick up larger objects...

like huge tree pieces and roof sections.

Anywho, we finished as much as we could

before heading back to the main site

and said goodbye to our new Aub buddies.

We then proceeded to head to dinner,

because we had eaten peanut butter crackers for

lunch and needed some serious nourishment.

Five Guys and Fries to the rescue.

To be continued.

Wilted Flowers

2011-05-06T07:30:00.001-05:00

Last night, Jesse and I drove around to find some caches,

which I was totally fine with, because it meant

doing something completely normal.

However, my mind was still consumed

with the damages that are still in my town

and towns all over Alabama.

We drove through Gardendale, AL

and there isn't much, if any damage there

and I began noticing businesses that they

had that Tuscaloosa just doesn't have anymore.

We passed Hobby Lobby and immediately

the image of that building that I frequented

is no longer recognizable.

The only consolation is that a wagon wheel bench

that had taken residence in that store for years

is probably put to rest. (When Harry Met Sally, anyone?)

I can't drive through neighborhoods or main streets

to get to my mother's house in Tuscaloosa

without seeing destruction and devastation.

She lives right off of 15th Street

and there are detours galore in order to make

it to her house.

Because of these images in my head,

I can't help but feel completely guilty

when I go back to Pinson in the evenings

and then feel angry at people in those towns

who don't seem to be as concerned about

my town.

Totally irrational, I know.

I figure I will harbor these emotions

until the images of these scenes

are replaced with new buildings and homes

and memories.

Also, I take complete hope that God is

continuing to restore my hope

by showing me love and grace

through his people.

I heard on the radio yesterday morning

as I was driving to work

that there was a quicker response of support and

help to the tornado victims

than for Hurricane Katrina.

I don't think I have ever seen so many

volunteer stations set up around a town

being so generous to a people

who have lost everything precious to them.

I keep my hope that everything will be all right.

For more ways to help, please refer to the organizations mentioned
in the previous blogs from this week.
Also, there are many benefit concerts being planned
as I type and I look forward to what those
will contribute to the relief.

And for those who can't be in Alabama
and help physically,
buy a t-shirt.

And this one:

Do what you can.

Still processing.

2011-05-04T07:30:00.000-05:00

Today, the parents of an art student

that was killed during the tornado are visiting my office.

We have a disk of her work and a sympathy card,

but those things seem so paltry compared

to what they lost.

Fortunately for me, my husband was in Birmingham

away from the storm

and my mom and brother

were on the other side of 15th Street

where the tornado hit

and only suffered minor damage

to the house.

I still feel a great amount of loss

for my town however.

I know that we can and will

rebuild what property was lost,

but there is no rebuilding lives.

They are gone forever.

Disaster Relief

2011-05-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

Since I have to work in my office this week,

instead of in my town,

I figured I should spread the word

about the different things that

you can do if you are like me.

1. Donate Treasure (money):

My friend, Brooke,

is once again making

her "Sweet Home Alabama" chalkboard

and all proceeds are going to disaster relief.

Follow this link to see how you can buy one and

contribute to relief efforts.

2. Donate Time/Talent (Service):

If you want to volunteer in Tuscaloosa,

please register with St. Matthias Episcopal

on Skyland Boulevard first.

Also, my church, Safe Haven,

is working daily with Samaritan's Purse

and First Baptist Church

to bring aid to families.

If you are in Tuscaloosa,

they are meeting at 2420 6th Street

in downtown Tuscaloosa at 7:30am

and then driving to the training site.

First Wesleyan is looking for volunteers

daily to help sort through donations

and distribute them to those in need.

If you refer to The Tuscaloosa News

or The Crimson White,

these two publications

have remained diligent in their coverage of this

situation and how everyone can help.

The CW published a map of Tuscaloosa

and all available volunteer opportunities

HERE.

I hope that you are well.

If you are, I hope that you can help.

2011-05-02T07:30:00.000-05:00

Well, quite a first week of marriage....

If you hadn't heard about my hometown,

Tuscaloosa,

it was hit by a F-4 or F-5 tornado last Wednesday.

I have never seen so much destruction

in all of my years and after a similar tornado

in December, 2000.

Our midtown area was almost completely destroyed

except for the new shopping center.

Many lives, homes, apartments, businesses, etc. were

destroyed in a 10 minute window

from something we didn't even see coming.

On Friday, after many relief efforts were

begun, President Obama

visited our town to survey the damage.

Many churches and organizations

have completely astounded the residents of

Tuscaloosa and surrounding areas with their support

and contributions.

Today, Tuscaloosa had another surprise guest:

Charlie Sheen.

Yep. No joke.

Hopefully, his appearance will spurn some sort of outside

effort from other like-minded celebrities.

We'll see.

Great Scott! I'm married!

2011-04-27T07:30:00.001-05:00

See what I did there?

Cause my last name is Scott now

and I did a BTTF reference at the same time, Ehhhh?

Saturday was such a beautiful day.
No joke.

I'm glad that we didn't need the back up location.

And I definitely got a sunburn.

Nice.

Elizabeth and Rachel did such a wonderful job as the photogs

for our wedding day.

Jesse looked so dapper in his suit

and I want him to wear it all the time now.

Haha.

Brooke did such a wonderful job

on the bunting for the gazebo

and the lovely dessert board.

Love this pic.

My mom said that Jennifer and I look like sisters.

Funny.

P.S. I just answered the phone at work

and when the lady asked for my name,

I said, "My name is Brittni Jones...er...Scott."

Hahahaha.

C'est La Vie.

2011-04-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

I honestly don't know what else

needs to be done for Saturday.

I am making the rest of my cheesecakes

tonight with friends and also folding programs.

I may add in some favor-making action.

I was thinking about regular flower seeds

in easter eggs, but I don't think that

the maintainers of the park would

appreciate all of the different flowers

popping up everywhere.

Bird seed, it is.

Haha.

I just looked at some neat favors

that would have been cool,

if I had the time to actually make them.

2 days. Holy moly.

Friend Time

2011-04-20T07:30:00.000-05:00

Last night, I had some fun girl time

with Jen, Casey, and Kassidy.

And also baked 48 mini cheesecakes

for Saturday. Both oreo and plain.

(Not the end of baking for the week, however)

We also baked a chocolate cake.

Let's just say it was for Kassidy's pre-birthday

celebration. Haha.

For your entertainment,

please read Jen's post from yesterday

on her top 25 truths every human being should know.

It's pretty hilarious. And oh, so true.

3 days remain until I am Mrs. Scott.

Figuring out the deets.

2011-04-19T07:30:00.000-05:00

Getting the program ready for Saturday.

Hardest part of the program

is the thank you section.

Do I thank every single person

who has helped during this time?

Because if that is the case,

we are going to be publishing a book.

I may blog a thank you

and put the link on the back of the

program. That's ok, right?

(I won't really do that.)

But seriously, Jesse and I have soooo many people

to thank for helping make our rehearsal/wedding day happen.

Without their help, we would have no chairs, tables, linens, decorations,

food, park access, photos, chalkboards, etc. etc. etc.

We are so blessed.

Old Habits Die Hard

2011-04-18T07:45:00.000-05:00

For the past few work days, I have been

grabbing a coffee from one of my favorite places....

Heritage House.

My all-time favorite latté is the "Nutty Irishman."

I don't have any pictures of this gem personally,

but I can direct you to their site.

They update their specials daily

and also make delicious pastries,

like blueberry muffins,

which are too amazing for words.

Don't forget that yes is yes and no is no.

2011-04-18T07:30:00.000-05:00

Thanks, weather.com.

I really hope this forecast doesn't change within the next five days.
Just sayin'.

Tornadic Activity

2011-04-15T15:30:00.001-05:00

8 days, folks.

Yep. 8 days. 8 days. 8 days.

Me, nervous? Heck no.

What I'm more nervous about right

now is the tornado siren going off

near me....

That's no bueno.

The last time I actually witnessed a tornado

was when I was really young (before my bro was born)

and you could see it from my front porch.

It was quite a sight. And good thing it didn't change directions.

That would have been bad news bears.

Anywho, hope you are safe wherever you are

and have a very great weekend.

peace up... a-town down.

Non-Ghetto Photos

2011-04-14T07:46:00.001-05:00

I picked up Jesse's and my engagement shoot photos

from the HH today...

and let me tell you...

THEY ARE AMAZING.

E-liz did a fantastic job

and I am so glad that she was

able to travel all the way from

jolly old England

to come and shoot our engagement photos

and coming soon...our Wedding Photos.

About 2 seconds before my necklace hit me in my face.

Rock and Roll.

Boom, total head shot. If I ever wanted to be an actress, there you go.

Same goes for Jesse. (Except he'd be an actor.)

Product placement. It would be awesome, if yoo-hoo sponsored our wedding. Just sayin'.

Just in case you forgot.

Random frame prop always makes for an awesome picture.

Hope you enjoyed the sampling of photos from

our wonderful photo shoot with E. Mudge.

Have a great Thursday.

Wednesday Night Waltz

2011-04-13T07:30:00.000-05:00

So, I looked at the wedding countdown this morning

and had a mini panic attack.

Not that I'm nervous about getting married,

because I am not,

but because I am nervous about the actual wedding.

Having everything done, e.g. decorations, food, chairs, tables, etc.,

without me actually helping with that on our wedding day.

My aunt did send me some cute ideas for the ceremony decorations,

which I think will be really nice.

via

Instead of hydrangeas, we

will probably use all daisies.

Love it.

And Mason Jars.

And I get to pick up the disk of

Jesse's and my engagement shoot

TOMORROW!

(If I could have stayed at HH longer for

breakfast today, I would have been able to

get them today, but I just missed E-liz.)

I'm soooo excited to see them.

And I may just post a couple tomorrow...

Have a great Wednesday!

GNO

2011-04-11T07:45:00.001-05:00

So Saturday was busy, busy, busy.

I spent much of the day with Jesse and his mom

looking at apartments and we found

some nice ones and then some not so nice ones.

Regardless, the search continues.

I'll be so glad to finally have somewhere

to live with my f-hub. (future husband)

We also picked up Jesse's suit for the wedding.

He tried on the black suit with white shirt

and let me tell you,

he looked very dapper.

I got goosebumps.

After all that,

I had to head back to Tuscaloosa

for my bachelorette party!!

Some of my favorite ladies

gathered together at a

very good restaurant,

Hokkaido,

and we shared some awesome times.

Jennifer, of course, got the silliest stuff for me.

I was made to wear the GNO sash, daisy headband with veil,

and Elton John-ish glasses with "Bride-to-Be" at the top.

It was embarrassing. Haha.

E-liz definitely got a nice close-up of me being goofy.

Great use of the hipstamatic app on the iPhone.

My 3 in-town bridesmaids made my night

so special and I am so glad that they agreed

to be my a part of this time with me.

I'm looking forward to my 2 out-of-town bridesmaids

to get here, so they can share in the wedding fun.

Let's just say when we left the restaurant and

headed to Haley's house for the lingerie shower

portion of the party... things got silly.

They made a toilet-paper wedding dress for me

and sent a pic of it to Jesse.

He liked it.

I was also forced to answer questions

about Jesse and me and if answered

incorrectly I would have to eat milk duds.
haha.

I only ate two.

Boom.

Well, I ate more, of course,

but not because I got something wrong.

We also rented a movie from the redbox

but never got around to watching it.

Too much girl talk.

I loved it.

Thanks again, ladies,

for being so awesome

and making my bachelorette party

so special.

I love you, ladies!

Someone's Got A Case of the Mondays...

2011-04-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

So, I was watching TLC last night

and noticed a show I'd never heard of before:

EXTREME COUPONING.

I only got to watch a little,

but this family had like 8 kids

and knew how to work the couponing

system.

Let's just say they split up the shopping

with all of their double and triple coupons

with store discount cards

and turned over $500 into like 80 cents.

No joke.

I went to the TLC website this morning

to see more about the show

and they have more couponing tips.

Oooh.

Ruby Tuesday

2011-04-05T07:30:00.000-05:00

After looking at my most recent mental floss

email, I had to show a couple of these movie posters:

"I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!"

Still haven't seen it.

Lame-o.

Wish he would have included balloons.

posters by this fellow.

Not too much commentary to go

along, but I thought they were neat.

So there.

18 more days.

Monday, Monday....

2011-04-04T07:30:00.000-05:00

(i wish you were) So Good To Me...

La-la, la-la-la-la...

I'm sooo tired.

Packing up my stuff,

getting ready to move... again.

Haha.

19 more days... until I'm Mrs. Scott.

I've already started practicing by writing my

name in my new book plates.

via

My friend, Lea, got me some sweet bookplates

from a cute little coffee shop from Harper Lee's hometown

of Monroeville, Alabama.

I've been using particular ones on certain authors.

Yeah, I'm a weirdy.

Whatever.

Anywho, I'm super excited

and I feel like everything is going to

fall into place (even if it rains on my wedding day).

Which isn't IRONIC...by the way, Alanis.

Happy Wedding Day!

2011-04-02T16:00:00.002-05:00

Nope, not me, sillies.

Jesse and I have still got a few more weeks

to get ready.

However, these two are getting married TODAY!

Courtney and Shaina!

Congratulations, friends!

I'm so glad that we get to be a part of your

super, sweet, special, splendiforous* (totally!) day!

*Also, if you don't know that word,

it means you haven't seen Never Been Kissed over 20 times.

You're probably better off.

Haha.

Travelin' Lightly.

2011-04-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

So, I haven't been updating very well lately

and I'm sorry.

However, I did want to share some

fun pictures from the past few weeks.

A couple of weeks ago, Jesse and I drove

to Chattanooga for a nice day trip.

We went to lunch at Cheeburger, Cheeburger,

which is awesome and has cute mason jars for drinkin'.

Almost bought 2.

Jesse didn't appreciate my picture takin'.

I love that the lights in there gave everything a

cool pink tint. Very 50s.

The only thing off about their 50s diner vibe

was a Jimi Hendrix poster.

If you don't understand why that's weird,

then I don't know why we're friends.

Afterwards, we went for a stroll on Walnut Street Bridge

aka "the walking bridge,"

where we read all about the history of the area

and completed a virtual cache.

After a lot of Chattanooga ambling,

we found a few caches

and some travel bugs.

Some of the travel bugs

have some pretty cool destinations.

Mine, for instance, is supposed to go

from here to Mount Rushmore and back again.

Pretty neat, huh?

On our way back to the car,

we passed some metal cows.

They reminded me of Lindsey

and so I started doing mooing sounds.

Haha.

After Jesse found the car,

which amazed me,

because we walked all over

the city and I had no idea where we were.

We drove up to Lookout Mountain

to look for some benchmarks and caches.

We found them, btw.

And a pretty sweet view of Chattanooga.

I think we were both pretty exhausted

by that point and so we grabbed some dinner

at a nice pizza place downtown

(not mellow mushroom this time).

And sadly, I can't remember the name of the place,

but it was on the other side Walnut Street Bridge

near the park.

They have a very good Hawaiian pizza,

which continues its streak as my favorite type of pizza.

Well... that's all for today.

Check back tomorrow for

some more PieLab fun and caching/benchmarking and

Alabama sports.

(sorry that the sentence is so not parallel.)

(don't care)

MY FRIEND IS FAMOUS!

2011-04-01T07:45:00.000-05:00

Check it out!

My friend, Brooke,

of Playing Grown Up

is today's featured seller on

ETSY!

You can find her interview

HERE!

So proud of you, friend!

amor

2011-04-01T07:30:00.000-05:00

Je suis desolée.

2011-03-31T07:30:00.000-05:00

I feel like I haven't blogged in forever.

But it's been less than a week.

Alas, I do apologize for

all those who are super interested

in my ramblings.

Today is a big day.

Not the biggest day for me by

any means, but a pretty big one nevertheless.

Today, Jesse and I are getting our marriage license.

Wooooooo hoooooooo!

It won't look as neat as this one though...

Yeah, that one's from 1876.

It's pretty.

Nevertheless, I am so excited to finally get to do this,

because it means that we are getting married

all that much sooner!!!

Everything for the wedding

is pretty much planned...

except for the... (cough)order of the ceremony(cough).

That will come together as well.

And bigger changes are going

to happen than what we previously

thought last week.

Will update you on what those

might be very soon.

Have a great Thursday!

(P.S. Cooking again for small group,

making french toast casserole...sooo good.)

Post Its

2011-03-25T07:30:00.001-05:00

"I invented Post-Its™"

is always the first thing I

think of when someone mentions

that particular product.

Last night at small group,

we were discussing ways

to remember that Jesus

notices our work

and how to not

freak out about that fact

(Dani...)

and I ,of course,

suggested that we use

Post-Its™ as a tool.

We would be reminded daily of

Colossians 3:23.

(and 24)

"Whatever you do, work heartily,

as for the Lord and not for men,

knowing that from the Lord

you will receive the inheritance

as your reward.

You are serving the Lord Christ."

We definitely had some very hearty discussion

about our jobs and how we incorporate

our faiths (or if we do at all).

And if we acknowledge that the Lord

does notice our work

and how it brings glory to His name.

Sometimes...and I'm sure this is

everyone, it's very hard to rejoice in

your job if it's not something

that you absolutely love to do.

Like I said last night,
I rejoiced in cooking the dinner

for small group, however, I don't necessarily

rejoice in helping students figure out

their class schedule everyday.

Must work on that.

Hydrangea...

2011-03-24T07:30:00.000-05:00

You know what I haven't done in forever?

Made dinner for small group.

Guess what?

I finally got to last night... at least prep dinner...

It's ready to be cooked

and hopefully, it will look like the Pioneer Woman's.

Sour Cream Noodle Bake.

I am so excited about this dish,

however, I'm a little mad at myself

for not making a separate dish

with no tomatoes

for those less inclined to tomato eating...

eh, Jen?

I'll let you know how it is tomorrow.

I'm sorry Pi Day.

2011-03-23T07:30:00.000-05:00

Pi(e) Chart

via

So, since I didn't blog last week,

because of spring break...

I didn't get to celebrate Pi Day...

at least until Jesse and I visited

a certain establishment

in Greensboro, ALABAMA!

(Think Forrest Gump...there ya go)

Anywho,

do you even know what Pi is?

3.14159265....

It's one of those infinite numbers, ya know?

Roll over.

2011-03-22T07:30:00.000-05:00

I'm pretty sure that the wedding reception

playlist is getting out of control

and would last into the next day

if I allowed it to do so.

Also, the playlist could

consist entirely of The Beatles.

However, I won't do that

to my guests who like that band

less than a little.

(I'm not joking... 19 songs

from their catalog have already

been chosen...just sayin'.)

I was going to make you guys a

Beatles playlist on grooveshark,

but unfortunately no one

is allowed to upload their music.

Lame-o.

In other news,

I just scored free tickets to

see Alabama play UAB

in baseball tonight.

Nice.

I can swipe my rewards card again.

Racking up on some Alabama athletics.

rolltide.com

Crunch Time!

2011-03-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

This past week flew by so quickly!!

Of course it did...because it was spring break.

It started with a light road trip to Chattanooga

(pictures forthcoming)

and ended with a very light road trip to Greensboro, Demopolis,

Livingston.

Had to visit PieLab, you know?

The in-between time was spent corralling kiddies at the Belk Center.

Lots of kiddies.

Some of whom I knew already, so that was good.

Camp was fun, but super draining.

I had to tutor after camp one day last week

and could not process any form of math.

It was sad.

How was your spring break?

subrisi

2011-03-11T07:30:00.000-06:00

Spring Break is almost here!

Whoopee!

Do you have some fabulous plans

for the upcoming week?

I will be day camping it up

as a counselor!

I have definitely missed playing

dodgeball with the kiddos

and making them put their DSs

away so that they will

do something active.

(And when I think of camp, I always think about Ernest Goes to Camp,

one of my favorite movies as a child.)

Have a great spring break!

amicus/amica

2011-03-10T07:30:00.001-06:00

I'm so thankful for my friends

during this time of planning

and preparation with Jesse for our wedding

in 44 days!

And I neglected to show some

of my favorite pics from

Jesse's and my engagement party

last weekend.

(as you can see, i tweaked them a little bit, using Picasa and Picnik)

Thanks again, Brooke, for doing such

a wonderful job with the photobooth

and for your awesome cupcakes!

Also, happy 11 months, Jesse!

I love you.

Quadragesima

2011-03-09T07:30:00.000-06:00

In all this wedding jubilation,

I almost forgot about Ash Wednesday

and the beginning of the Lenten season.

(Ashes being administered on Ash Wednesday)

If you've also forgotten about Lent

and what it's all about,

here's a brief

definition from wikipedia.

There are traditionally forty days in Lent

which are marked by fasting,

both from foods and festivities,

and by other acts of penance.

The three traditional practices to be taken up

with renewed vigour during Lent are prayer (justice towards God),

fasting (justice towards self),

and almsgiving (justice towards neighbour).

Today, some people give up a vice of theirs,

add something that will bring them closer to God,

and often give the time or money spent

doing that to charitable purposes or organizations

Side note: I love that neighbor (above) is spelled

with an extra "u" in it. So British. Haha.

It's also a "countdown" of sorts

to Holy Week.

According to tradition,

certain hymns are not sung

during this time, like "Alleluia"

and "Gloria in Excelsis Deo."

I'm thinking and praying today

about what to give up

during these next forty days.

Meat? Desserts? Social Media?

What have you considered

giving up this year?

Another side note:

I'm often afraid when people

see me with ashes on my forehead

and think "I never knew she was a Christian."

That's something that will definitely humble a person.

Party Pooped.

2011-03-07T07:30:00.001-06:00

Let me tell you...

I'm partied out...at least until April.

Friday night, some friends and I drove up

to Birmingham to attend a fancy lingerie shower

for our friend, Brianne.

(Always a blush-worthy kind of event)

I don't even know how I'm going to handle

my own in April.
Yeesh!

On Saturday, Jesse and I braved the roads

through the rain from Birmingham

back to Tuscaloosa,

so that we could attend

our fabulous engagement party,

hosted by some of my bridesmaids

(Haley, Kim, and Jennifer),

and another friend (Brookie!),

who set up a wonderful photobooth

for everyone to enjoy.

I think Jesse and I were both so

amazed at the people who

came and made us feel super loved.

We love you guys!

On Sunday afternoon,

I had to attend a bridal tea

for me, hosted by my aunts

and some ladies from

my mom's church,

aka the church I grew up in.

(P.S. I'm so glad that some of the

ladies finally got to meet Jesse!

He popped in at the beginning

and then headed to work.)

Let me just say that I was completely

overwhelmed the second I walked in

there, because they had themed the

party around my flowers

for the wedding.

There were daisies on the tables

and a double daisy cupcake cake

and other yellow and white treats

on the tea table.

It was so pretty!

I was also completely taken aback

at the amount of gifts that Jesse and I

received (mostly cake plates...haha)

Definitely experienced another

moment of complete humility

from the love from those ladies.

(I must have really loved those towels...)

Thanks, Kim, for taking all of the pictures!
Best cousin ever!

I love being a girl!

2011-03-04T07:30:00.000-06:00

So, I scheduled a hair appointment for next week,

because my hair is starting to look ragged...

And I am trying to keep it longer

until after April,

so that I have more choices of "do"s.

I've been looking at some styles

and I wanted to show you some that I DON'T want.

Enjoy.

Weird basket weave.

A top bun with or without giant bow.

Top multi-Heidi braids.

Crazy lady Heidi braids.

These are all from the website Pinterest.

And as you can see, they are all very interesting styles.

I would hate to have to get my hair out of that later.

Blech.

Here are some styles that I AM considering.

This one reminds me of Joan from Mad Men.

Classic.

Gorgeous.

I bet I would find an awesome replica of

the headband on Etsy.

I love this last one, but there's no way it'll stay put for more

than 15 minutes.

So, sorry, neat-o curl hairdo.

And this one below is one of my favorites:

Maggie's hair from The Dark Knight.

Thoughts?

Have a great Friday!

No Agua? Denied!

2011-03-03T07:30:00.000-06:00

So, I woke up this morning

and walked out of my room to

go take a shower...

however, when I stepped out of my room,

there was a note trail

saying

"Brit"

"BRITTNI"

"Brittni, there is no water."

(thanks, danny)

Bummer.

No shower today.

I feel gross.

No one hug me today.

Just sayin'.

And I saw this on weheartit.com

today and couldn't help but share it...

Have a great Thursday!

Not without Coups!

2011-03-02T07:30:00.000-06:00

So, has anyone else gone coupon-crazy lately?

I have found myself looking for deals

everywhere lately in women's freebies (yes, that's a site),

Groupon (got some sweet deals on Archibald's), and

Living Social (looks like I'm going to the Drive-in fo' cheap!).

I think I'm trying to prepare myself for the married

lifestyle of being frugal and clipping coupons to save money,

which I am all for.

What about you?

via

I'm on Fire!

2011-02-28T07:30:00.000-06:00

Finished addressing envelopes.

Phew.

For now at least....

still waiting on some addresses

from my mother.

Here's a question for you:

Should I include directions on an insert

or just have our Knot website

(that includes directions)

on the insert card?

I wish my handwriting

was that fancy.

Taking A Breather.

2011-02-25T07:30:00.000-06:00

Just cleaned my entire desk.

I'm very excited.

I found stuff from 2008.

I'm pretty sure the stuff that is needed is

filed somewhere more important than the top of my desk.

If it was important, I filed it.

Don't think I just trashed everything.

Gosh.

I'm not heartless.

Next task, water break.

And I'll give you an update

as to an idea of the overall look of our wedding.

I made a collage of various etsy finds.

Nice, eh?

Come Sail Away

2011-02-24T07:30:00.000-06:00

This is the first day

that Amy and I have

really tried to implement

our GO system learnings.

And let me tell you...

I took an hour and thirty minutes

to work on a project

(without interruptions)

and finished!!!

It's crazy how much you

can accomplish when you

don't have to worry about

answering the phone

or handling a student.

This switching back and forth

to do blocks of work

FABULOUS!

I'm looking forward to helping Amy

while she is working through her block of time.

I can't tell if I'm super energized

from getting so much work done

or the cup of coffee that I had this morning.

(I haven't had coffee since last Friday)

via

Have a great Thursday!!!!!

(P.S. Shout out to Chad for cooking for small group tonight.

This better be the best spaghetti ever. Haha.)

Mo-tee-vay-shon

2011-02-23T07:30:00.000-06:00

I definitely need some of that, please.

At least today.

Lots of things to get done.

Not enough time in the day

to finish them.

Blargh.

I'm so ready for April to be here already.

Quiet, you!

2011-02-22T07:30:00.000-06:00

Thanks, Netflix.

You are awesome.

Recently, one of my roommates

began subscribing to this wonderful service.

And then proceeded to allow me access.

Let's just say that I watched a movie

with Jake Gyllenhaal

and the program thought

that my roommate should certainly

watch Brokeback Mountain now.

Haha. Classic.

Oh yeah, sorry about that.

However, it's also recommended

some great shows that I hadn't seen

in a while.

Pushing Daisies was one of those shows.

Love that Ned, the pie maker.

He could make all the desserts for my wedding.

And they would be delicious.

Another show

that had been long forgotten

but not really...

The IT Crowd.

You know I love that show.

And the 4th series is

now on netflix for a-watchin'.

Check.

My roommate has been catching up

on some old Office episodes

and man, I am so sad to

think about the absence of Steve Carell

after April.

Even if he's going to be replaced with Will Ferrell.

Still won't be as good.

I watched some episodes from season 2 last night

and was reminded of where I got a certain

phrase that I use often and

who used to say it more than me.

Ol' E-liz.

You know what I'm talking about.

Think title.

If you don't remember,

I'll remind you in April.

(Counting down the days!!)

Turning Tables

2011-02-21T07:30:00.004-06:00

Friday night,

I met some relatives I had never

known about before

and got reacquainted with

some relatives I hadn't seen in years.

They were really excited for me

and pretty disappointed that

they weren't able to meet Jesse yet.

My Uncle John
kept singing the song
for the Miss America pageant
AT me...

and my Great Uncle, Larry,
who is actually younger than my mom,
asked me if I knew my lines
for the wedding...
I replied, "I do."

(rimshot
a-thank you)

I had forgotten how much
I enjoy my family.

Especially when they tell stories about
growing up in the 30s and 40s.
That's super neat.

I so seldom see them
that I don't really remember
a lot of good times.

I'm looking forward to seeing
many of them again in April.

Stacker, spreader, and...CHAOS!

2011-02-18T07:30:00.000-06:00

Today, Amy and I attended

The GO System

seminar that is offered through UA HR

as professional development training.

It was awesome.

I do feel very energized to actually implement

this process in my office.

There's a unique filing system

and a focusing exercise that

will hopefully work

in my job environment.

via

Have a great weekend!

I better not have that...

2011-02-17T07:30:00.000-06:00

I'm certainly not talking about these

precious cupcakes

that I saw on cakewrecks.

They are awesome.

Guess which ones I love.

I seriously hope that I do not

get this virus that

is spreading around town.

A few of my friends have

had it already and I would

rather not.

So there.

On a happier note, I GOT MY DRESS YESTERDAY!!!!!!

Wooooooo!

It's amazing and wonderful and stupendous

and absolutely gorgeous and

I am sooo excited to wear it in April!

Just sayin'.

I just can't help myself

2011-02-16T07:30:00.000-06:00

This week is crazy, for reals.

I don't think I have a break until next year.

(That's just speculation.)

Just sayin'.

Between work (both UA and tutoring), church,

time with Jesse, time with friends, wedding planning,

premarital counseling book reading, and etc. etc. etc.,

I'm feeling a little overwhelmed,

but not really discouraged,

which is probably a great thing.

However, I have been listening

to some awesome music this week.

Namely, my wedding song list

and Mumford & Sons

(which isn't on my wedding mix).

I watched their Grammy's performance

and almost got up and danced at my desk.

They make me want to play the banjo.

Or any instrument, really,

that's going to contribute to

that awesome sound.

Enjoy some Irish-y folk goodness.

I'm also looking forward to an awesome

concert at the new amphitheater.

Thank you, Avett Brothers.

(Also, thanks to Casey and Julie,

who stood in line for tickets.

You are awesome.)

Old School Country

2011-02-15T07:30:00.000-06:00

via

And now I have Hank Williams Sr.

songs in my head.

Do you as well?

Happy Valentine's Day, almost hub.

2011-02-14T07:30:00.002-06:00

"I've been a-waiting for you
And you've been a-waiting for me
Tell me that you'll always be true
And you'll be the only one for me"

-"Forget Me Not" The Civil Wars

via

El Numero Ten-o

2011-02-10T07:30:00.000-06:00

That's the Spanish word for ten, right?

You know to speak Spanish all

you have to do is add an "o" at

the end of an English word.

Is that not correct?

Whoops.

By the way, did you see the snow?

Yeah, it totally snowed...again.

In the South.

Again.

(Imagine Forrest Gump saying it. It's fun.)

If you can't read that,

it says "Roll Tide #1."

I imagine my friend, Adam, over at

Life's Little Roll Tides would appreciate this one.

And pretty much everyone else I know.

Here's a pic of the front of my house.

Pretty sweet.

I apologize for not getting a larger view,

but I didn't think I had time.

Happy Thursday!

And happy 10 months.

Whimsical Whimsy

2011-02-09T07:30:00.001-06:00

Let's continue with some Valentine-y stuff, shall we?

Today, while looking on iTunes for some Glee songs from

last night, I noticed that iTunes was selling certain love songs

for 69¢!

So, of course, I selected a few (or 8... potato, potahto).

1. "Save the Last Dance for Me" The Drifters

2. "I Need You" America

3. "Can't Fight This Feeling" REO Speedwagon

4. "Drive" The Cars

5. "I Love You Always Forever" Donna Lewis

I hope you enjoyed the music selections

and it has you thinking about your favorite love songs...

or anti-love songs.

Whichever floats your love boat... ah...thank you.

via

I'm Forever Yours...

2011-02-08T07:30:00.001-06:00

This year is the first that

it is imperative that I celebrate Valentine's Day.

As part of a couple.

Not as anti-V Day,

but pro.

Crazy.

Just read some of my posts from last February...

Bo-ring.

Haha.

This time is also when I switched back

from Wordpress, because it was awful.

So, double bo-ring.

Moving back to present...

and cards!

I do so enjoy a good card.

Whether it's silly or just really well done.

Here are some of my favorite finds:

I thought this would be cute to give to

friends and the like.
Super cute.

All you need are paint color cards and stamps.

Boom.

They didn't have one with a

"circle beard."

I had to pick one with owls on it,

of course.

I'm pretty sure I've seen this one before,

and put it on my blog,

but here it is again.

Classic.

I love this one for two reasons;

one, because it's so true, and two,

because the script and drawing

remind me of You Can't Do

That on Television.

That's all for today.

Don't want to inundate you

too much with Valentine goodies.

Oh Dearie Me.

2011-02-07T07:30:00.000-06:00

Well, I had a wonderful weekend, despite some unfortunate happenings

earlier in the week.

Dinner with my beau (and imagine that I said

that like Scarlett O'Hara, it's fun) and awesome friends

at Mugshots on Friday night.

It was great to finally get to know

some people that I don't usually get a chance to

hang out with.

Getting plenty of sleep on Friday night through Saturday

and waking up to watch a classic on ABCFamily,

Rookie of the Year.

Don't underestimate that film.

It's great.

("Hey, pitcher! You got something hanging out

of your nose! Pitcher's got a big butt!")

Lunch in Odenville at Charlie's BBQ

and benchmarking with Jesse.

Family time with the Scotts

and trippy-trip to Workplay

to see The Civil Wars w/Lucy Schwartz.

Whole show=AMAZING.

I had never seen Lucy Schwartz

perform before and only knew one of her

songs, but she blew everyone away.

She is an amazing pianist

and she has mastered a loop

machine that would rival Imogen Heap.

The Civil Wars, of course,

did not disappoint

again (last show seen in August at Workplay).

pic by Andrew Clements

They sang most of the songs from their

new album, Barton Hollow,

and were amazed

when everyone starting singing along.

And not to brag or anything,

but the crowd from Saturday night

was referred to as the best crowd ever.

Just sayin'.

Haha.

More weekend news coming up later!

Snowpocolypse.

2011-02-03T07:30:00.000-06:00

And I'm gonna look like a copy cat,

if you also follow my buddy at Adam-and-E.

Haha.

I've been listening to The Civil Wars

new album, Barton Hollow, with few breaks

the past few days,

because it is AMA-ZA-ZING.

If I could afford it and I was friends with them,

I would totally ask them to sing at my wedding.

Especially this song:

I think it just works perfectly

for Jesse's and my story.

Maybe I'll ask them if they

would like to attend the wedding

on Saturday night

when Jesse and I go to see

them at Workplay.

Then again, maybe not.

Haha.

They're probably busy.

I've Got This Friend

2011-02-02T07:30:00.000-06:00

So God totally kicked my butt this morning.

Instead of playing solitaire or checking my email

before work today, I read a chapter from

one of our premarital prep books, When Sinners Say "I Do".

Just the title alone humbles me, however,

today's read really brought me down a peg.

It was the chapter on mercy.

The most humbling part of this chapter

was a story about a pastor and his wife,

and the pastor had married this lady

only to further his pastoral career.

He did not love her, nor did he

respect their marriage

for 40 years!

However, the wife remained

patient with her husband,

raised her children,

and they eventually divorced.

Throughout their entire marriage,

she was assured of God's steadfast love

and He sustained her for her entire life.

The best part of this story is not that

this couple split; it's that the wife

showed mercy on her husband

and forgave him for everything

despite his dire treatment of her.

This couple is now deceased, but both

died with the promises of the Lord

and the forgiveness on their hearts.

That is real, 100% Godly love.

AGAPE.

(Couldn't help but include the Greek. Sorry.)

Only through the almighty, wonderful, merciful Lord

can someone forgive something that was done to them

so egregiously.

I began thinking about how I respond when

I feel I'm being wronged and how it's either

contrary to my theology or in line with it.

Most of the time it's contrary,

because I'm being self-righteous.

Who am I to deny someone

forgiveness and mercy, when

I am in need of it daily?

I drove to work today with

some heavy thoughts about forgiveness

and mercy on my heart

and know that God is working

on something big in me.

Let's hope for my sake

that I listen and obey.

Franchise Opportunities Available

2011-02-01T07:30:00.003-06:00

So I'm forging ahead with the notion

that I'm going to be doing a lot of the baking

for the reception,

with which I'm totally fine.

I am a little worried about where this baking

will be taking place however...

However, I think I'll cross that bridge when I come to it.

In the meantime, I will focus on collecting recipes

that look like this:

I love the paper straws.

This is a super creative cupcake recipe

from Bakerella.

Love her.

These look fabulous, but I will probably

omit the fruit topping.

They are great by themselves.

I found these cupcakes, while
thinking about this amazing diner that
used to be open in the McFarland Mall,
way back in the day.
They had the most amazing caramel cake.

Can't go wrong with lemon bars.

There's always room for pie,

especially when it's Brownie Pecan Pie.

Don't believe me?

Boom roasted.

I also love this.

Not only is it mini,

it's key lime.

Yum.

Side note:

If anyone wants to help me with these

delectable creations, please let me know.

I love baking in the kitchen with

others, especially others who like

to pretend that we have our own cooking show.

Just sayin'.

Welp, that's all for today.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

I can see my desk!

2011-01-31T07:30:00.000-06:00

New week.

Spending the morning marveling at my

very clean desk, which I cleared yesterday

(I know... Sunday work=no bueno).

It does relieve some serious stress though.

I've also been perusing the photos

submitted on Pioneer Woman's blog,

which are gorgeous pictures of flowers.

If you don't feel happier looking at flowers,

there may be something wrong with you.

Speaking of happiness,

I wanted to share some thoughts

from the sermon from SHC yesterday.

BJ spoke about meeting God in your strengths.

(Genesis 39)

1. It's something I needed to hear.

Many times I will put off doing something

or listening to God, because I think I need

to improve something in myself

before I can truly obey.

2. It made me think about my strengths

and how I use them for God's glory

(if I even do).

3. It also encouraged me for the future.

God doesn't want me to dwell on my weaknesses,

but acknowledge His strength.

Have a great Monday!

Googling Google.

2011-01-30T07:30:00.001-06:00

I'm such a geek.

Thanks for representing though, Bama.

Thanks for being a jerk, Maine.

Haha.

Happy Saturday.

2011-01-29T07:30:00.000-06:00

My bologna has a first name...

2011-01-28T07:30:00.001-06:00

So, the chicken alfredo was a success.

I used Chicken Helper, because A)it's cheaper

and 2) it's still delicious.

I also added an extra packet of

broccoli alfredo noodles, because the dish

looked a little noodle sparse.

I got to use my new crock pot

to keep it stored and warm

at small group last night,

so that was also awesome.

Another girls night for small group plus Andy,

who seems to be loving the girl talk.

Haha.

Good discussion

about giving up our security blanket

when it comes to doing what God wants us

to do.

Lots of revelation and personal sharing time,

with which everyone was uncomfortable.

Andy will learn.

I hope I haven't confused too many people

on my little rant here.... haha.

Don't be a sourpuss

2011-01-27T07:30:00.002-06:00

Going through my calendar,

days are starting to fill up

with various activities,

work, church, friends, and wedding related.

Found out today that my membership to the rec

is still valid, so I can actually start working out regularly

indoors now without wearing an overcoat and boots to do so.

Must remember to bring my headphones that work,

so that I can plug into the system they have at the URec

and watch the various programs available.

The Strive for Five staff program is starting today,

so more motivation for me to stay healthy in

the upcoming months.

I wish winter would hurry up

and pass, because I'm tired of cold

and frost and biting wind.

I need sunshine.

I also need April to hurry up

and get here.

The month, that is.

I don't think I know anyone named April.

If I do and I forgot, sorry.

Looking forward to small group tonight,

making Chicken Alfredo.

I kind of wish that I already made it,

so I could have some for lunch today.

Haha.

Also, tomorrow night I will be attending Hillcrest Drama's production of:

One of the girls in 2420 youth

is a character and has invited everyone

to come and see the craziness that is this musical.

It should be pretty awesome.

Saw this pic and thought of you.

I love you and can't wait to be Mrs. Scott.

Ms. Nerdy McNerderson

2011-01-26T07:30:00.001-06:00

So I registered my blog on

last year

and have been geeking out

about all of the information

that they give you on the

whereabouts of your readers.

Don't freak out,

it doesn't release addresses.

Just the pinpoints

countries,

web browser,

connection speed,

language spoken,

etc.

That is a bit crazy,

but neat tidbits to know.

Like someone viewed my blog

from their blackberry phone.

Cool.

Someone in Egypt is reading about

my silliness.

Nice.

You figure out what everyone

really wants to see on the blog.

And you do the exact opposite.

Haha.

Locust Attack

2011-01-25T07:30:00.000-06:00

After looking through several wedding/craft blogs,

I have pinned down at least 20 design ideas.

Good thing it's not 100.

Bright side, people.

Bright side.

How cute is this from The City Cradle?

And this!

Of course we're having this...

But that's not really design, so moving on....

It's a vintage candy bar.

(You can rent the vintage cart here.)

I love the colors in this one.
So vivid and bright!

Of course, I love the picnicky feel of this one.

The colors are a little drab though.

You know how I love me some bikes...

Also, how cute is this cake?

It's totally presh.

P.S. If you're wondering about the title of the blog today...

The Woods Hall alarm sounds like a swarm of locusts.

And it went off today.

In the middle of a rain storm,

poor, poor students

had to stand outside.

Chatty Chats

2011-01-24T07:30:00.001-06:00

You know what the hardest part of planning a wedding is?

(At least for me...)

Putting together the guest list.

Especially if you have limited resources and seating...

And if you're a giant procrastinator like me...

I'm frankly proud that I've gotten as much done

so quickly without dropping it like a hot potato...

Anywho, I took initiative today and actually

sent out notifications to all invitees

via facebook (thanks, zuckerberg)

to collect addresses.

The collection process is going pretty smoothly.

And The Knot has a neat feature,

where you can record all of your guests and their contact info

and make your invitation labels and seating chart.

Easy peasy.

Courtesy of The Knot.

Gears grinding

2011-01-22T07:45:00.000-06:00

Way to go, Starbucks.

Make sure that no one can keep

their new year resolution of

smaller doses of caffeine.

And seriously, "Trenta"?

Doesn't that mean 30 in Italian?

Why does that cup hold 31 ounces?

Come on!

(All these sizes in different languages

remind me of the movie, Role Models)

There's always room for pie.

2011-01-21T07:30:00.000-06:00

This is a pic of the deliciousness at PieLab.

We also had two slices of quiche, but

forgot to take a picture before cleaning our plates.

Also, Jesse apparently died and went to heaven

over their lemonade....

I enjoyed an "Arnold Palmer" (sweet tea/lemonade).

I will also admit to "borrowing" a recipe

from there and making it for small group on Tuesday night.

Chicken fajita quiche (which I made into a casserole).

Soooo good.

Have a great Friday!

(And if you've got some time this weekend,

drive to Greensboro and eat at PieLab!)

Alf Cake

2011-01-20T07:30:00.001-06:00

Snow again?

Not that I don't like it,
but really?

This is Alabama.
We aren't supposed to get snow here
all that often and when we do it certainly
doesn't stick (at least for very long).

It's getting all "the day after tomorrow"
here and I don't like it.
Expect Dennis Quaid
to snowshoe through your town soon,
my friends.

Snow rant over.

Have a great Thursday!

We need to wake up and pay attention!

2011-01-19T07:30:00.001-06:00

Do you have the song from Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit

stuck in your head now?

Because I certainly do.

Haha.

Last night, we had an early meeting

for our small group,

because Trés meets this Thursday

and we didn't want to get behind on

the current study the first week back.

We began an "encounter"

with Exodus 3, when God is

calling Moses into leadership.

Interesting insights about the burning bush

and why God considered Moses

in the the first place.

Had Moses not turned around to

actually investigate this bush that

was burning but not being destroyed,

God would have never called him

to service (at least at that time).

We talked about how we should pay attention

to little things, but not consider everything

that happens some sort of sign from God.

Anyway, I was driving home

and talking on the phone with Jesse,

when I saw a stop sign and kind of

rolled through it.

It was at that point that I noticed

the cop that was policing that particular

sign and proceeded to turn her lights on

and pull me over.

Needless to say, I do consider that a sign.

Something as blatant as "pay attention"

to your surroundings and then I get pulled

over for not doing so.

(Happy ending: I did not get a ticket!)

Lesson learned.

Complications

2011-01-18T07:30:00.000-06:00

I've decided that I don't like large bridal shows.

And that's that.

600 brides and their entourages together

in one exhibit hall.

Not good.

Most of the booths were difficult to

get to, because of the mass of people

trying to look at everything

and stopping in the rows...

Not for me.

Private planning sessions with friends

to help coordinate decor.

Wedding blogs.

Online registries.

DIY wedding books at BN.

That's more like it.

Not nearly as stressful and irritating.

One more thing, please don't get

me a "Bride" tote.

I don't like those.

Seriously...not cute.

Maybe one with my initial or

a plain one... but not one that says "bride".

Bridezilla moment over.