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.