Thursday, February 24, 2011

change of pace


J's been on the lookout for a new gym for a while. As convenient and easy as L.A. Fitness had been (he'd been a member there for years), there were things about it that were getting annoying.


  • The parking deck.
  • The not-so-nice locker rooms.
  • The windows that looked out to the movie theatre (and allowed all the movie goers to watch you sweat through your ab workout).
  • The countless members who were there to mix and mingle and check themselves out.
  • The personal trainers who were always on their cell phones while working ppl out (personal pet peeve...those people are (over) paying for your services!).
  • Oh, and the fact that on occasions, it felt like a club. Seriously. One random Thursday night there was a D.J. And flashing lights. Can you say C-L-U-B?

He'd gone to the fitness center at the Mansion a few times with a good friend, and fell in love. Unfortunately, our budget was NOT allowing for that membership. Plus, it was a 15-20 minute drive from our house.

Finally, after much research, he landed on the Health & Fitness Club at Piedmont Hospital. That's right, Piedmont Hospital. But so far, so good.

Things I'm already loving about it -

  • A much smaller, more family-style gym.
  • Though not near as extensive of a set-up as L.A. Fitness, it's got plenty of weights, machines, treadmills, etc.
  • The class offerings (at least yoga + pilates) are offered at times in the mornings that are much more suitable for me.
  • Access to a private parking deck.
  • Friendly, personable staff (who even remember names, and ask how I enjoyed the ____ class I took the other day!).
  • A much older crowd - perks to this: no one checking out me OR themselves and the fact that I feel like I'm in great shape (when I choose to forget I'm ~20 yrs younger than most of them).
  • A 6-9 minute commute (4 minutes shorter than L.A.).
  • It's affordable (and if you sign up on the 1st of any month, they'll waive your initiation fee!
  • An extensive offering of pre-natal classes (we're NOT there yet, but, God-willing, eventually).
  • We're one step closer to finding a Dr. friend.**
**I have this odd plan to be-friend a Dr. in Atlanta so that we'll know somebody in case of an emergency. Growing up in a smaller town, all of my Dr's, Dentists, etc. were all family friends. My allergist lived next door and gave me shots once a week in her home. My dentist saw me the morning of our wedding day to help with an ulcer. My OB gives me free samples of my birth control. Talk about a good thing!

A few random, related notes -
  • I've decided to train for the GA Half Marathon coming up next month.
  • Here's a random post by my friend, Ashley, on women and their body image.
  • Tonight we're heading to Cashiers, NC with some friends, and we are going to try a serious hike that I haven't done in a while. Should be fun!

Happy weekend, people!

Friday, February 18, 2011

the trees

the Oak trees at Toomer's Corner in Auburn, AL


By now, I'm sure you've all heard about how Auburn's 130-year-old Oak trees that are rolled after every AU victory have been poisoned by some angry red-neck Bama fan (we've all got 'em). If you haven't heard, you can find the article here. I've got my own opinions about it, but I thought I'd just share some from my Facebook news feed.


War Treagle.
They can take our trees.....but not our roots. I believe in Auburn and love it.

Dear Al from Dadeville, you should be tied to those trees you killed in Toomer's Corner in Auburn and publicly flogged. (written by an Alabama fan)

Can't. Make. It. Up. RT @RJYHyall: The tree poisoner's children are named Bear and Crimson.
**This is indeed a true fact.

If I go around poisoning trees over football games at age 62, please put me down, because my life will suck so bad and hold such little meaning that it will be time to go. This guy screams Alabama fan, no life but football. There is more to life!

It's ALWAYS great to be an Auburn Tiger! There is no way the Toomers tradition or the AU spirit could be stopped... Bama fans- thanks! We know NO ONE in the SEC would claim this guy.

Al from Dadevile:
Harvey Updyke
259 Silver Hill Rd
Dadeville, AL

Slept late because of all the work, but probably still slept better than Al from Dadeville. #Toomers

the old song "I'm Going Straight to Hell" keeps replaying in my mind everytime I think about "Al, from Dadeville."

Definition of Irony: Al from Dadeville will spend the next few years wearing nothing but orange. I'll be the first to send him some blue shoes to match.

Today I found out just how big of a tree hugger I am. Al from Dadeville, you have a date with Dexter Morgan.

I'm watching Charles Barkley on Jay Leno talk about easy classes at Auburn and I'm anxiously waiting for him to mention Organic Gardening.....Pop Quiz man!!

On this sad day, I wanted to provide a little wisdom with a simple question and answer...
Q: What do Alabama and Auburn fans have in common? A: Neither went to the university of alabama

If the 2010 Iron Bowl is any indication...Bamers need to wait until the Toomers tree is totally dead before celebrating! War Eagle!

Why would anyone think putting a Cam jersery on the bear statue would be the same thing as killing a 130 year old living thing? I'm speechless.... And always proud to be an Auburn Tiger!

"Individuals act alone, not on behalf of anyone or any place, and all universities are vulnerable to and condemn such reprehensible acts."-- Jay Gogue. Well said, War Eagle, and OMG.

And my personal favorite -
"True, the herbicide has a pretty solid early lead. However, I am confident the folks at Auburn can make some halftime adjustments and give this tree another 28-27 years of life. We’ve seen this kind of thing before."

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

baking away

I love any excuse to celebrate, which is why I love any holiday that rolls around. This year, Valentine's gave me the opportunity to do a little baking.

J and I don't usually do much to celebrate what I know is probably one of the cheesiest days of the year. But, this year we decided, what the heck?! Once he made the Miller Union reservations, I knew I had to deliver (and preferably something inexpensive). So I made the Valentine's "banner" [pictured in previous post]; however, I secretly knew I'd appreciate it more than he would.

So, I decided it was time for me to attempt to make Lindsay's infamous chocolate cake. I can't even describe how good it is, or just how much my husbands LOVES this cake. Here's the dilemma...I'm a recipe kind of girl. And Lindsay's not so much. Since she was out of town, she had to coach me through it via phone. While I think I have some improving to do before I perfect it (ha! more like get it half way as good as Lindsay's version!), husband sure is enjoying it — for breakfast w/ a little coffee, afternoon snack, appetizer before dinner, and dessert!

it's only been two days!

Then I decided our freshman small group should feel the V-day love, so I made one of my favorite desserts.

(as we call them at work :)

Monday, February 14, 2011

this just in

from my man :)

valentine's

breakfast this morning...


snack this afternoon...


dinner tonight...


happy valentines day, friends!!

Friday, February 11, 2011

the Chronicles


"Oh — Aslan, sir," said Digory, turning red, "I forgot to tell you. The Witch has already eaten one of those apples, one of the same kind that Tree grew from."..."So we thought, Aslan," [Polly] said, "that there must be some mistake, and she can't really mind the smell of those apples."
"Why do you think that, Daughter of Eve?" asked the Lion.
"Well, she ate one."
"Child," he replied, "that is why all the rest are now a horror to her. That is what happens to those who pluck and eat fruits at the wrong time and in the wrong way. The fruit is good, but they loathe it ever after."
"Oh I see," said Polly. "And I suppose because she took it in the wrong way it won't work for her. I mean it won't make her always young and all that?"
"Alas," said Aslan, shaking his head. "It will. Things always work according to their nature. She has won her heart's desire; she has unwearying strength and endless days like a goddess. But length of days with an evil heart is only length of misery and already she begins to know it. All get what they want; they do not always like it."
- excerpt from The Magician's Nephew

I'm reading The Chronicles of Narnia for the first time. And I'm loving it.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

5 random things

1 - I've been trying to pack a lunch pretty much everyday (save $$$, eat better) and when I got in a bind last week, I searched the kitchen and found a sweet potato. I've now eaten a sweet potato three days in a row. I'd forgotten how good they were. Reminds me of college.


2 - I've also been bringing in grapefruits. Cut in half, little bit of splenda on top. Squeezin' all the juice into my mouth when I'm through. Reminds me of childhood.

3 - I just uploaded an album on FB from a trip we took almost a year ago. Oops. I've got a few more to add from last summer, fall, Christmas, etc. I'm not very good at FB anymore.

4 - I've gotten sucked in to a pretty ridiculous show. Pretty Little Liars. Monday nights on ABC familiy. Oops again.

5 - We're having dinner tonight with friends, and this is a year and a half in the making. Somebody got sick - postponed. Somebody else got sick - postponed. An emergency came up - postponed. One of their kids got sick - postponed. Snow storm 2011 - postponed. If we actually end up having dinner together tonight, it will be a miracle. But we can't wait!!

6 - What? I said only 5. Oops x3. I'm leaving you with this video because it's adorable.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

paella

As a wedding gift, my brother gave Jamie and I an authentic Spanish paella dish and kit. He's always been a creative gift-giver and he's lived all over the world, so it only made sense!

I'm one of those people who loves to save things for special occasions. Which unfortunately, usually means I wait forever to use them (gift cards, gifts, etc)! Thankfully, I checked the expiration date on all the canned items, and it was coming up. So, what better night to cook it (other than for Andy + Bets) than when mom's in town and Rich comes over! I can now say this was one of my favorite gifts!! Thanks, Andy!

included were the paella rice, paprika tin, EVOO,
saffron, whole fire roasted piquillo peppers, and the pan.
the recipe encourages the meat, seafood, and veggies.

yum! stocked with all sorts of goodness!!

¡Buen apetito!