I never really thought of myself as a "beach" person. For one, my fair skin and the sun do not get along. No matter how much sunscreen I slather on I always end up with weird blotchy burns. Second, it's kinda hard to like the beach when you're not a fan of sand. Third, I grew up in a household where a familiar saying was, "If you've seen one beach, you've seen them all."

Yet the older I get, the more I want to get away to the beach. Last weekend, P and I went down to Orange Beach, the lovely Redneck Riviera, for a three day weekend. This was not the beach trip of our college days where we divided our time equally between laying out and the FloraBama (and plenty of sleeping in to recover from the latter). In fact, we did not visit the establishment at all. We had a grown-up spring break.

I needed this weekend of sleeping, reading, eating and relaxing. I woke up early and sat on the balcony and watched the waves. I lost myself in books to block any work-related thoughts from creeping into my mind. P and I walked to the jetties and sat on the warm, smooth rocks. We gorged ourselves on seafood (mostly fried) and were so full after dinner, the FloraBama wasn't even an option.

It was on this trip that I decided I am a beach person. The beach gave me what I needed--time to be still and quiet and listen to the waves and feel the sun.

My lovely Sunday

So much for sticking to my New Year's goal of blogging every day. Work has really picked up and I'm pretty much brain dead by the end of the day. I've been conserving all of my brain power for my job. Now I'm finally starting to catch my breath.

This morning, I could feel the familiar Sunday dread creeping in. I've reverted back to high school in a way. In high school I was never fond of Sundays because that meant doing homework and the inevitable return to school on Monday. This sour feeling subsided when I was in college because, well, it was college and everyday felt like the weekend. Damn, I miss those days. Now the dread is back and I have to learn to deal with it. It's not good to start my week with this feeling. So when I started feeling blue this morning, I made an effort to do something about it.

First, I took care of some laundry and dishes that needed doing. It felt nice to do something productive. Around lunch time I got my butt dressed (no makeup though ha!) and made the decision to get brunch by myself. I needed some "me" time and it provided the opportunity to do some reading for work. I grabbed my "homework" and headed out.

On such a nice springy day, I knew exactly where I wanted to go--Chez Lulu, an adorable little French restaurant in English Village. I got a table outside in the sunshine. I ordered a coffee and the plat du jour, eggs florentine with stone-ground grits and homemade applesauce. Before my food arrived, my server brought me bread and olive oil. I tore off a piece of the bread and dipped in the oil. For some reason it tasted so good, as if I hadn't had olive oil in years. Maybe it was just good quality olive oil. But I began to feel better about my day.

The eggs florentine was ehh not so good, but the rest of the food was delicious. I settled into my book and occasionally watched passers-by and eavesdropped on neighboring tables' conversations. Two middle-aged couples were discussing movies and TV shows they rented through Netflix. They were going to see a movie after brunch. They left and a couple took their table. Their conversation was quite interesting because they were planning a trip to Mexico and Central America. Mind you, a four-week-long trip. As I listened to the fascinating details I wondered what their professions were to allow them to take such time off of work. They also mentioned taking a detour to wine country in Oregon and Washington and something about moving to Colorado. I also thought I heard a wedding being mentioned. All in all, I was pretty jealous. Planning a trip is the existence of my being. I am never happier than when I have a trip to look forward to. It made it hard to focus on my book.

I so enjoyed my brunch. The sun felt nice though it did leave me sleepy. Next I headed to Whole Foods to grab some grub for the week. A trip to Whole Foods is always a treat. I began to feel like this might turn out to be a nice Sunday after all. After depositing my groceries at home, I wanted to get back outside. I drove to Jemison Trail to go for a walk. I worried that I was cutting it close to sunset, but I made it just in time. The walk was just what I needed. I listened to my pod, admired all of the beautiful homes in Mountain Brook and soaked up the fresh air. I loved seeing lots of people out doing the same thing. And I spotted a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, my dream dog. The dread I felt this morning had disappeared. This walk in the woods saved my Sunday.

25 Random Things About Me

1. I love listening to Edith Piaf sing though I do not speak French. I try to sing along but I really just make noises that sound French-esque.

2. I freaking love Little Debbie oatmeal cream pies.

3. I have a special little friend named Gownie :)

4. I hate people who act stuck-up and superior.

5. I am so ready for the 'W the President' stickers to come off of 95% of cars in Alabama. Yay for Blue Dot stickers!

6. It bugs the snot out of me when people hate on Southerners. Haters.

7. When I want to be lazy, I can be really lazy. And I truly enjoy it.

8. President Jimmy Carter might be my favorite human being ever. Garth Brooks comes in at a close #2.

9. I make up a new nickname for Preston pretty much everyday.

10. When I was little (until about age 5 maybe) I was a bad kid. I could throw hellacious tantrums--just ask my mom.

11. I want to have a house with an awesome back patio so I can dine al-fresco and have dinner parties in the warmer months. It makes me think of California/Europe.

12. I secretly long to wear a one-piece swimsuit.

13. GEEZ I love wine and cocktails. I might start having a cocktail hour after work everyday.

14. I think a pair of Levi's on a guy is tres sexy.

15. I lurve Indian food. Chicken tikka masala is the shiz.

16. I went through a cardigan twinset phase in high school.

17. If I had to be in a pageant tomorrow, I have no idea what my talent would be. I don't think I have one.

18. Travel will be priority in my life.

19. I believe that gays and lesbians should have the same rights as everyone else and be allowed to marry the person they love. Watch "Milk" and tell me you're not moved.

20. I am a freak about putting lotion on my hands after washing them. Touching paper without lotion is absolutely out of the question.

21. I think the history of the state of Alabama is fascinating.

22. I have crooked pinkies.

23. Mine and my dad's song was "You Got It" by Roy Orbison. I miss him.

24. I enjoy discussing good movies with my mom and stepdad.

25. Preston and I have a serious problem of talking in baby talk. I've slipped into the voice at work, which is so not professional.

Africa and India in 2 days

This weekend I watched two epic films--Out of Africa and Gandhi. How I have lived until now without seeing these movies, I do not know. After watching them I feel like I changed person. It's movies like these that remind me of how powerful and moving the cinema can be. I also look at these films as opportunities to learn more about history, different cultures and humanity in general--part of my quest to expand my cultural horizons.

In short, what I loved about each film:

Robert Redford washing Meryl Streep's hair (gush)

1. The scenery: Good lord, the views in this movie took my breath away. In the scene where Robert and Meryl are flying in the plane above the African wilderness my eyes filled with tears (the music also had a hand in this). I never had too much of a desire to go to Africa. Technically, I've been to northern Africa--Tunisia, specifically--on a Mediterranean cruise. After seeing this movie, I would very much like to see more of Africa if I ever have the chance.

2. MERYL: Is she real? She's such an amazing actress, it's hard to believe she is any sort of person outside of the character she is playing. I love her strength and independence, as well as her vulnerability, in this movie.

3. Robert Redford: I mean, he's Robert Redford. What else is there to say?

"We must be the change we wish to see." - Mohandas K. Gandhi

1. Again, the scenery: I've developed a real fascination with India--the land, the people, the food. I'm glad the makers of this film took the time to show the landscape of the country. The scenes where Gandhi travels through the countryside by train really give the audience an understanding of the vastness of India (though it did make the movie 3 hours and 10 minutes long, it was necessary).

2. Gandhi, Bapu: Bapu means "father." I really didn't know much about Gandhi prior to watching this film. He certainly was a remarkable human being and leader. I was moved by his wisdom, patience and compassion. Ben Kingsley sure did a hell of a job taking on this role; he did it with perfection.

3. Peace: Though I was sad that the world lost such an extraordinary visionary, this film gave me a sense of peace after I watched it. I'm inspired by Gandhi's simple way of living. I hope I can find ways to incorporate his philosophy into my own life.

Every picture tells a story, don't it?

First off, I want to follow up on Tuesday's post about my personal growth plan. I wasn't sure how I could execute my 4th goal, but shortly after I posted the light bulb went off. From now on, I will "tweet" (That's Twitter-speak for posting a Twitter comment) 1 thing each day for which I am grateful. Tah-dah a measureable tactic! I'm telling you, social media has my mental wheels a-turnin'.

Ok, so this post is a new segment I'm trying out. Note: The title refers to a Rod Stewart song, also featured on the Almost Famous soundtrack--loves.

Today's feature:

Summer 2006

I'm not exactly sure what possessed me to put up this embarrassing photo. My mother made me take this before I went for an internship interview at a PR agency in San Francisco. (I was living at home for the summer after a quick change of plans). Unfortunately, I didn't get the job, but it's funny to see where your career path takes you. For me, it took me from being a runner at a law firm (contemplating law school) to an intern at a Birmingham boutique PR agency to an intern at Coastal Living and Cottage Living magazines--at this point I was worried I'd forever be an intern--to finally landing a "big girl" job at an ad/PR agency in Birmingham. It was often times frustrating and I definitely felt like I was having a quarter-life crisis, but now things are soooo much better. It's good to be a working gal. On that note, I think I'll let Dolly Parton wrap things up...

Workin' nine to five
What a way to make a livin'
Barely gettin' by
It's all takin' and no givin'
They just use your mind
And you never get the credit
It's enough to drive you
Crazy if you let it

My Personal Growth Plan

A co-worker and I were discussing New Year's resolutions after coming back to work from the holiday break. In talking, she recommended I watch Joel Osteen's Sermon #388 "Developing a Growth Plan." According to Mr. Osteen, if a person devotes an hour a day to learning a new talent/subject, that person will become in an expert in that area in three years or less.

Now, I've seen stories about Joel Osteen on the news (maybe it was a 60 Minutes segment) and I was skeptical. He talks in that "salesman" voice and his church is way too big and new age-y for me. I'm a more traditional gal--when it comes to church services, that is.

But something about this theory sparked my interest. Maybe it's because it's the beginning of a new year and I actually decided to have some goals (aka resolutions) this go-round. Maybe it's because 2008 was such a bitch of a year and I want to hear some good news for a change. Perhaps my quarter-life crisis is taking a breather since I finally have my first real, full-time (big girl) job. Who knows? I decided to give Joel Osteen and his sermon a chance.

I just finished watching it, and I do feel it was beneficial. If anything, it gave me a pep talk and reinforced my desire to never stop learning. (Downside: It did make me yearn for my college years. I miss being in an academic environment). Most importantly--and this may sound cheesy--it gave me hope for the future. As long as I keep working toward my goals and try to better myself as a human being, I think good things will come my way.

As my mom says, "As long as you have a plan you'll be okay." In short, here are some of my rough goals for my personal growth plan:

1. Try to write everyday, i.e., update this blog. The goal is to find a subject about which I am passionate so I can write a book or just figure out what the heck I want to do with my life.

2. Expand my mind with culture--literature, art, music, travel, food, wine

3. Become a social media expert--or learn just enough to keep up :)

4. Learn to be grateful for what I have. I need to figure out how to execute/measure this one. It sounds so easy, but I never seem to be satisfied even though I really am blessed.

That's all I can think of for now. I'm sure there are more to come. We'll start with baby steps, ok?

I want this blog to help keep me in check. A check-up from the neck-up, yo.

Lazy Saturday

As the weekend approached, I was looking forward to nothing more than doing nothing. I'd say I accomplished my goal.

I awoke at 11 a.m., excited to look out the window and see rain and cloudy skies (because this justified my day of staying inside, doing nothing). Unfortunately it wasn't raining and I didn't hear thunder, but I remained hopeful. I decided make some breakfast--tea and toast--which always sounds terribly glamorous and Anglophilian (yay for my use of a big word) to me. Don't worry, it wasn't too glamorous because I used to squeezable Smuckers strawberry jelly for the toast and not some fancy Whole Foods kind that comes out of a jar.

I sat down on the couch, my station for most of the day, to read my book, Revolutionary Road. I'm contemplating kicking it old school and writing an essay on it, just so I can gather my thoughts and have something intelligent to say if people ask my opinion of it, but I have to get over my depression from the ending first.

Unfortunately, I didn't get as far as I would have liked because I felt a tinge of guilt for sitting at home all day. Part of me thought I should venture out to some of the shops I'd been meaning to go to, since Saturdays are my only opportunities to go (jobs sure do get in the way). I even thought about accompanying Preston to the car dealership to see about his new car. So I took a shower--something I was trying to avoid. I figured I might as well venture out of the house while it wasn't raining and afterward I could come home and continue my lazy Saturday.

Well, wouldn't you know it as soon as I'm ready to walk out the door it starts pouring buckets outside. That sealed the deal--back to the couch. Preston left to run his errands, so I decided this would be the perfect opportunity to watch one of my Netflix movies, Cinema Paradiso, a foreign film that he wouldn't have wanted to watch anyway. I changed back into comfy clothes and settled into my movie. Why, you ask, am I watching an Italian film? Well, first off, it's a cute little movie about a boy and his mentor/friend, who teaches him a love for movies. Toto, the young boy, is PRESH. I could just eat him up. Secondly, I could pretend to refresh myself on my Italian (I minored in it in college) and it reminded me of my beloved professor, Maurizio Godorecci. And finally, it gave me a mental escape to Europe--always a treat.

Only problem: I had forgotten how long it is. After two-and-a-half hours, Preston had gotten home and was already dozing in his recliner and I started getting antsy. I managed to finish it, though. (Note: I HATE not finishing movies). I roused P and we decided to use our Christmas gift certificates to get pedicures and neck massages. (He will probably make me erase this once he sees it. Mind you, he just enjoys the pedicures for the relaxation aspect and he doesn't get them often).

After our salon trip, we had to grab a quick bite before our 7 p.m. movie. I was craving a cheeseburger and Johnny Rockets is so close to the theater, so we decided to go there. Unfortch, the wait was way too long so we ended up at the Dairy Queen in Cahaba Heights. For some crazy reason, I betrayed my cheeseburger hankering and got chicken fingers (they looked so delicious in the photo!). BIG MISTAKE. They were greasy and gross and I left feeling unsatisfied and disgusted with myself. But not disgusted enough to say no to movie popcorn. We made it to the theater before the movie started. We saw Valkyrie. Ehh not my favorite. I was pretty disappointed. And the whole time I kept thinking about Tom Cruise jumping on Oprah's couch and how he's a looney tunes Scientologist now.

P and I got in bed early and I read more of my book while he fell asleep. All-in-all, I give my lazy Saturday a B. I think a nice fire in the fireplace and seeing a better movie in the theater would have made it really spectacular. Things to keep in mind for future Saturdays when I feel like doing nothing.

N'awlins

I have come to this realization: New Orleans is FABULOUS. This was my fourth trip to NOLA, and prior to this trip I'd always left the city feeling like I needed a shower. My previous experiences had been for fraternity and sorority formals so ALL of my time was spent on Bourbon Street living on hand grenades for 3 days. I left feeling like I didn't care to return.

While I did enjoy a hand grenade or two (or was it three?) on this trip, I developed an appreciation for New Orleans. I got to explore parts of the city I'd never seen before. I never realized how much of a European feel New Orleans has. (My trip to Italy and France last spring helped refresh my memory as to what Europe is like). It feels "old" with the narrow streets and gas lamps. And the architecture is so beautiful! Unfortunately, I was only able to drive through the Garden District on our last day, but it was like I was transported to another world with the mansions and spanish moss. Oh, and of course I can't forget to mention the food. DELISH. New Orleans is eclectic and eccentric--I like that. I must go back and do a real vacation there.

Our trip was so much fun! Except for the Sugar Bowl fiasco (which all Bama fans are trying to forget), Lauren, Megs, Preston and I had a great time. Here's a photo recap our of trip.

Me, Meghan (Megs), and Lauren (B) in our hotel lobby, The Intercontinental, on New Year's Eve


P and me on New Year's Eve on Bourbon Street


We watched the Sugar Bowl parade on New Year's Day!


Dinner on New Year's Day at Galatoire's, one of the Grand Dame restaurants of New Orleans


My pledge sister and former roomie, Meghann, and I at Tropical Isle enjoying Hand Grenades


P and I had shrimp po boys at Serio's Deli. They looove their LSU Tigers (freaks).


P and me at the Sugar Bowl against Utah before our loss *tear


Lunch on our last day at Domilises. I know it's cliche, but this little hole-in-the-wall place in the Garden District has really great food and you can tell the locals go there. It was all women in the kitchen (which you could see) and I observed the locals come in to pick up their to-go orders (very smart because the line was long). They hugged and talked about family...it was so fun to watch! I ordered an oyster po boy, which was something new for me. It had fried oysters, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, mayonnaise and hot sauce on a po boy loaf--DELICIOUS. I should have taken a photo of this badass sandwich, but I was too hungry :)

Holiday season recap

Ok, I know I'm going out of order but I wanted to recap my holiday season because it was a fabulous one. I spent Christmas with my family in Rome, Georgia, where my parents now live. Since we are a blended family, we have to alternate holidays. This year was our big Christmas year (I always love those best!). Our holiday get-togethers usually consist of games (Trivial Pursuit or Charades), going to the movies (we used to see The Lord of the Rings trilogy each Christmas), eating (this year we chowed down on sausage dip, chicken salad, pimento cheese dip), boozing (wine, snobby beer for the boys, Bud for Lolo and me, sangria), shopping for the girls, and lots of sitting. I love Christmas!

Amanda, Laura (LoLo) and Mom wrapping the last of the gifts on Christmas Eve.



These little guys just enhance the holiday season, don't you think?


A Glorious Christmas Morning


Opening presents! Amanda, Dave & Rebecca (newlyweds, they live in Arlington, Virginia), Mom



Mom and Gangie, my grandfather (Gangie's other half, Nonnie, is MIA)



LoLo and me dominating in Trivial Pursuit


Family Dinner at Blue Fin. (From Left to Right: Abs, Sarah, Bob, Mom, Amanda)



LoLo, Amanda, and Sarah at the bowling alley in Rome



Abs and Sarah, newly engaged! They live in Alexandria, Virginia.