After 12 Years

I got my hair cut rather than a trim. It is now sits just at my shoulder. No tears. Ready to rock my new look!

Bumble Bee

This weekend I made it a point to sit outside on the deck on multiple occasions. I also let the dogs join me. Every time I sat out in the chair there was a bumble bee circling the deck. Auburn & Jasmine spent their time trying to chase this bee away! The looks on both of there faces were so cute. Luckily, neither made contact with the bee and it did not bother me!

Pressure Check

Had a follow up to check the pressure in my eye. Back to normal 16/17. No signs of iritis, which is good because I had been off the drops of that for over a week. Hopefully, I have finally kicked this eye issue (knocking on wood).

Spring Flowers

The past couple of months I have been so busy, that I didn't get to plant any new and different spring flowers. But our usual ones are in bloom - Lenten Roses and Azaleas. My pansys are still going strong which were planted late fall in the deck planter boxes. I believe my oriental lily is starting to come up too!

Red Riding Hood

I have been eagerly waiting for Red Riding Hood to open. This weekend it was here! I really enjoyed the movie. And it kept me guessing as to who the wolf really was . . .

3.10.11

March 10th = Worst Day.

Done!

Thursday night I submitted my entry for the next big concept for a local park. My idea - an outdoor roller skating rink!!! I am one of 1,100 entries. The top 50 will be narrowed down to the top 10 by 4.4.11 and the top 3 will be announced 5.5.11. The grand prize is 50K, 2nd is 10K, 3rd is 5K and remaining finalist get 1K. I want to win and be able to roller skate downtown on beautiful days! I will be keeping my fingers crossed.

March Accident

On March 7th, I had to drive past an accident scene that was really painful to see. I believe it had just happened as there was no assistance on the scene yet. As I drove past the truck I caught the glimpse of yellow out of the corner of my eye. I saw over half of a mustang up under the back of a delivery truck. It made me really sad because I didn't see how someone could survive. I later read that the driver did not survive. This was also the week of my car accident from four years ago. It really makes me reflect on how lucky I was to of not been seriously injured given the damage done to my car and how a matter of seconds could of changed everything.

Prize 2 The Future

I have been working on my entry. Keeping my idea a top secret! I want to win the $50K grand prize!

Recertification

I have successfully earned my PHR recertification. My certificate arrived in the mail this week. Now I have to start the process all over again! That would consist of earning 60 credit hours over the next three years. Wish me luck!

You Got Mail

I have officially emailed everyone, and I mean everyone, I know to tell them about Special Equestrians.

Drops

I have been on the eye drops for over a month now. Had my check up this Friday and the doctor did not see any signs of the iritis. But, I did have elevated eye pressure. So now I'm on a drop for that for a few days and will have a follow up visit next week. Iritis, please don't come back!

It's Back

I noticed the week of Valentine's day that the "Your Are Beautiful" message was back on the bridge. This time the word beautiful in red paint.

Balloon

I have learned that my dog, Auburn, does not like balloons. I guess we never had any in the house.

Boots

I need some and I can't make my mind up! I wish I could get both.

Someone did what?

I was at work when I read the news article that someone had poisoned the live oak trees at Toomers Corner. It is just so hard to believe. The news reports state that the doses are lethal amounts and the survival is unlikely. This truly saddened me.

Last

one standing . . .

Swimming

Taking on a new area of responsibility at work, participating in a 11 month HR Leadership program, and serving on the Board for a non-profit organization . . . I hope I don't need any floaties to keep my head above water! Very excited about all my new opportunities and hoping that I am successful with all that I am talking on this year.

The End

After almost three years of part time employment, my husband no longer works at the movie theater.

Icy Roads - Feb 3rd

While at work we noticed that it started snowing late in the afternoon. These were huge flakes. It happened so fast and it was so cold outside. There were several of us looking looking out the window watching the snow start to cover the ground. I really hadn't paid close attention to the weather. Turns out this stuff came in earlier than predicted. It didn't take long and the schools were letting school out early. Then we got the official word, an email, that the corporate office would be closing at 3pm. That was less than an hour. Then we heard from our boss's boss that we could go now if we wanted. I missed that because I was in the bathroom. I came back and three of my co-workers were waiting on me at the door! As I walked two blocks to my car, I did see that the sidewalk was icy and slick. It was still snowing, so I had to stop inside one of the parking decks to dig out my new umbrella that the boss got us for Christmas. I traveled my usual way home. I went to get on the Red Mountain Expressway and I could see that if was already backed up, crap! I should of checked the traffic report before leaving the building. I sat on the expressway/31 from the point I got on it in downtown to the exit for Hwy 280 for an hour. It was insane, everwhere! As I approached the exit ramp for Hwy 280, I noticed that cars were still driving across the bridge (the last snow/ice issue caused this thing to closed) so I chose to use the exit ramp and head home via Hwy 280 as usual. At the begining of the ramp a max bus was stopped with the caution lights and I thought to myself this must be the hold up. I managed to get around the bus and into the other lane. As I continued to drive up the ramp, I noticed that we started to come to a stop. As I sat on the ramp, I could see that cars were going down this two lane bridge one at a time. I even saw a 18 wheeler make it down, so I was feeling better about my turn but had some anxiety. I was now closer to the top of the ramp where it turns into the actually bridge/flyover to get to 280. At this time I could see two cars had pulled over to each side of the bridge. I wasn't sure it they were not comfortable going down the bridge or if they had been in an accident. Cars were driving between them and continuing with the one at a time routine going down the bridge. My car was half on the bridge and half still on the ramp. I was six cars away from making my way to Hwy 280. Then a white truck ahead of us blocked the lanes. I was no longer going to be going anywhere. I updated my facebook status, sent text messages to friends and family, talked with my husband about this issue and flipped through the radio stations to hear what was going on with this bridge (nothing mentioned). After an hour sitting here in this spot, two hours since leaving work, I started to get stress about not moving. And the fact that I now had the urge to pee didn't help the situation! Luckily, my husband stayed on the phone with me. I had a full tank of gas so I was able to keep the car running. Keep in mind, I never heard anything about the issue going on with this bridge. Thirty minutes later, I saw the dump truck and a flatbed truck arrive at the other end of the bridge. I watched them work and dump stuff in efforts that I assume was to address ice build up which was causing us not to move. Now two hours later in this same spot, three total since leaving work, my husband decided he was going to come find me. I wanted off this ramp! And I really had to pee! I had the lady in the car next to me tap on my window to tell me that she thought we should turn around and go down the ramp. I just said okay. There was no way that I had room to turn around on this ramp unless others did the same. Not long after that I could see flashing lights behind me at the very beginning of the entrance ramp. Really, two hours for police to arrive? It was really hard to tell what was going on behind me. There was a max bus in one lane, the one I passed earlier, and an 18 wheeler in the other lane. I could see the blue flashing lights and could barely hear what someone was saying. I rolled down all four of my windows in order to make out the message. I heard something about the ramp. Great! Then I thought I heard something about backing down the ramp. So, I sat waiting to see if the police said "Do" or "Don't" back down this ramp. At this point is was now dark, below freezing, still snowing, everyone has been sitting in the same spot for over two hours and of course the damn street lights are out. I could see that cars behind me were turning around. So I was going to try my best. I was shaking. Not sure if it was nerves or that fact that I was cold due to all four of my windows being down trying to understand what in the world we were doing. I let the lady next to me go, so I would have more room to make my turn on this bridge. Got turned around and was blinded by 18 wheeler lights. I was confused as to where we were going. The driver of the 18 wheeler turned off his lights and approached my car. Thankfully he realized I was confused and told me where to go to get around and down. Oh, that would be the side of the ramp which was muddy and slushy. He said, "So far, no one has gotten stuck!" Okay, I didn't feel much better. As I got past the 18 wheeler, I could see the police. I think he was pointing for us to cross the muddy median to get back on 31. Unfortunately, there was no police stopping a lane of traffic on 31 so those of us trying to exit the ramp could have some where to go. I finally squeezed in and was headed to Homewood to find a restroom, asap! Called my husband back who was on 280 trying to get to me. Stopped at the Arby's in Homewood to use their restroom. I honestly don't know how I managed waiting for so long. Called my husband back and told him the route I was going to take to go home and he was going to turn around so that he would be traveling behind me. In total it was three and half hours before I made it home for what would be typically only a 10 mile commute. I was in need of a drink! Red wine and bed.

Eye Update - Round Three

Got the results from my blood work and all was okay, so thankfully this is just an eye issue that I can't shake. I'm on a stronger steroid drop for a month. Hopefully, this will be it. I'm so ready to wear my contacts again!

Retirement Party

Attended Linda's retirement party at the end of January. The department purchased her a bracelet from Pandora with a money bag charm to represent her banking years. It was so hard to say good-bye again.

Fundraising

I'm about to start some heavy duty fundraising efforts!

Retreat

Attended a SE Board Retreat at a beautiful lake house. It was a lovely day and learned a lot. Oh, and it's official . . . I now hold the Secretary position!

Eye Problem, Again

My eye issue came back towards the end of January. This meant that I had to go get a full medical work up to ensure that I don't have any other underlying issue causing the eye issue. And off to see another eye specialist for a second opinion in case there was nothing medically wrong with me. Fun time . . .

Aunt Kelly

My new baby niece, Memphis, was born on January 20th weighing 6lbs, 8 oz and 20 inches long! A head full of dark hair too. She is just so precious!

First Day

Friday was my first day of leadership class! I am so excited about this opportunity. Got to meet the faculty and participants. Now, I have to start reading the book!

Happy Birthday

Michael

Champions!!!

After being iced in for the day, I was well rested to stay up to watch Auburn in the National Championship game against Oregon. It was a really good game and then close to the end of 4th quarter it got intense when the game was tied up. I had to start pacing at that point. It came down to a field goal. It was good and we walked way to victory, 22-19! What, a night!!! I wish I had been at that game! It's great to be an AUBURN Tiger!

2010 National Champions

WAR EAGLE

Butterflies Are Up

Our dining room.

Winter Weather Coming

Monday - Yard

Monday - Deck

Sunday Night - Street

Sunday Night - Yard

Sunday evening we heard the ice rain start. It lasted for a while. Eventually the flurries started. I think it went back to ice rain again. Got the message that my employer would be opening up a noon on Monday. Really? Went to bed at a decent hour and tried to sleep in, but I ended up being awake by 8am. Disappointed that we didn't have a much snow as predicted and somewhat jealous of those north of us who did get more. Really just had ice - no fun. Checked to see if the plans for my employer had changed due to the roads being closed. Didn't see anything. Took the dogs out, had breakfast and curled back up in bed to watch some tv. Finally, got the word that we would close for Monday and open late on Tuesday. Yeah, a snow or ice day!!! This was perfect. I would be able to rest and be ready to watch Auburn game tonight as we take on Oregon for the National Championship!!!!

WAR EAGLE!

Current Book Readings

I have now started with George Bush's Decision Points.

Happy New Year!!!

Last year my New Year resolution was to recycle. Over the past year I am proud of my lifestyle change to make a huge effort to place items in our totes to be taken to the recycling center downtown. I believe my husband and I have done well and will continue to maintain this habit.

I have pondered what my resolution will be this year. After reading Condi's book, my thought was to focus on some aspect of educational growth. Thus, I have decided to focus on learning a foreign language. I am going to try two - Spanish & Italian. I have two year in high school and one year in college taking Spanish, so I'm anticipating this being a refresher on that language and getting up to speed to communicate rather than barely translating a few words. The Italian will be the real challenge in this resolution! The game plan is to spend 30 min - 1 hour each night working on this.

The Tourist

I finally got to see The Tourist! I have been wanting to see this since I first saw the trailer several months ago. Loved it!!! And I was able to figure it out :-)

Ouch!

Our tripod was clasped and propped up against a wall in the kitchen from our recent travels. Coming back home from the movie I knocked it over and it fell on my foot. I was trying to move out of the way but didn't make it. The top of the tripod hit dead on one of my toes and the handle part hit the foot. Yes, it hurt! My toe quickly turned a purplish color and was throbbing. The next morning it was painful to even wear my rain boots. I had to go a week at work with my tennis shoes. As of Saturday, the color is back to normal and only occasional pain. Hoping to wear heels next week!

Spending Time With Summer

My 13th year old niece came to spend time with us for a few days. We had just recently purchased the Kinect so we got to test these games out with her the first night. The next morning my husband made us pancakes for breakfast. After we were all ready to go out we headed to the Summit for some light shopping. She picked up a another book and some items on sale at Bath & Body Works. Had a late lunch at Tazikis. Summer said she have to tell her teacher she had Greek food. Apparently she is learning about different foods in others cultures. Good pick hubby! Afterwards we went to the movies to see Tangled. It was really cute. We had plans to grill stakes out but the weather was not looking favorable for that. It did rain some, but had enough of a break where Michael was able to grill the steak and vegetables. Watched New Year's Eve specials in attempt to remain awake until midnight. Hopefully, is was somewhat eventful for my niece. We had some sparkling cider at the stroke of midnight and then it was bedtime! Saturday was a rainy and cold day so we stayed inside partly because we all slepted the morning away. Move game playing on the Kinect until my sister arrived.

Comps Goodbyes

Thursday was Linda's last day. Our department had plans to meet at Chill's for one last lunch with her. I was still on vacation, but I did go over to eat and say my goodbyes. Another sad day.

Driving Back

My husband always complains about the Alabama roads. Just as we crossed over the state line he made a comment along the lines "Can you tell we're in Alabama?". Of course I had to reply with the following - "Yes, because your bitching!"

After Christmas Shopping

Elisabeth and I had some Kohls cash so we wanted to head out to spend that and catch any good sales. At Kohls I picked up two t-shirt like turtle necks. Then at Belks was able to find two purses on sale - one black for work and a light brown for my casual days. Elisabeth was also trying to find something for her New Year's Eve plans.

Cooking With Portia

Portia made one fabulous dinner for us! We had a beef tenderloin that is cooked in a salt encrusted dough wrap to aid in the flavoring. The sides were thinly sliced steamed brussels sprouts and cauliflower in a creamy parmesan sauce. White tea with ginger for a drink. And for dessert . . . an apple tart pie (no picture of this).

Salt Encrusted Beef Tenderloin

One Fabulous Dinner
Rachel, Elisabeth, Portia & Kelly

Snow on Locust Hill

Christmas 2010

This year we did travel to Knoxville. Got on the road Christmas Eve and had a nice trip up. Portia and Gene had a roast and real mashed potatoes ready for us upon arrival. We knew snow was on the way so while chatting that night we were looking for it to arrive. Woke up to see that the snow had not really been that much during the night. While waiting on breakfast, buckwheat pancakes by Gene, we noticed that the snow started to fall! After Elisabeth's arrival to the house we were ready to start the unwrapping! Our plan for the day was to wear pjs and watch multiple Christmas movies. We started with Love Actually, one of my favorites! Snow was still falling too. Portia made yummy spinach and cheese dip for us to snack on before dinner. It was a nice and relaxing day with family, friends and great food!

Message

I can't recall exactly when, but possibly about a month ago someone painted in white "You are beautiful" on a bridge over the Red Mountain Expressway. While, I don't agree with graffiti on property that does not belong to you it was nice to see such a nice message for a change. On Christmas Eve I was driving to work and I noticed that the message was no longer a positive message. Instead in red paint the word beautiful was covered up with a not so nice way to say ugly. I wondered how quickly that would get cleaned up? Later that night I read that some of the lanes were closed on the expressway while city workers painted over the profanity.

Book Reading: Rice

I started strong and then the holiday activities hit, but I have finally finished reading Condoleezza Rice's new book Extraordinary Ordinary People. I really enjoyed it! To read about all the things she has accomplished even at such a young age is just amazing to me. I feel like such a slacker! I am looking forward to her next book.