It's a Wrap

It's officially here.  The final day of 2008.  And while it will be a second longer than the last 3 years it is still going to end.  I'm celebrating the New Year in the central time zone so I suppose my 2008 will have 1 hour and 1 second longer than previous years and my 2009 will have 1 hour less than previous years, but who is really counting.  I obviously have put way too much thought into this whole thing.  

Oh 2008, what a year you have been.  My family went on their first vacation together since I was in 8th grade.  1993 I think.  We did go to the same place, but this time we added my niece.  It was the first plane trip for she and my sister and it proved a success.  A good time was had by all and we met the princess.  

It was also the first time I ventured out of this country I love so much.  I was able to drive through the rolling hills of Ireland (on the wrong side of the road and car!), see the Scottish Highlands, walk up and down the Royal Mile, and visit London. 

I also saw the passing of two dear family members.  One had led a very long life and was an inspiration to many.  The other was taken from this Earth far too soon.  But God's plans are bigger than ours and His ways are better than hours.  We are moving on as a family, though some days are difficult.  I have watched my parents step up to the plate in ways I could never have imagined to help. 

I bought a new house and am attempting to make it a home.  I am also trying to embrace the life God has for me in a town I still can't quite call my own.  Decisions need to be made about certain things, but I know He will lead me to the right place.  

2009 will usher in some changes.  I will not longer be in my twenties.  More friends are getting married and the list of single friends ready for an adventure is getting smaller.  I will watch another friend move overseas and one return from her adventure there.  I will attempt to get back into a healthier lifestyle, watch my budget, and spend more time with Him.  I will probably spend more time on a plane this year than ever before.  I am setting a goal that things will be better at work by the end of 1st quarter.  If not then at least by the end of second quarter.  I know it can be done.  I just have to make it happen and trust He will guide me through the rough patches, of which there will be plenty.  I hope to indulge less in things that cost money and indulge more in things that create memories.  

Here's to you.  May 2009 bring you everything you hope for and more.  Cheers!

Top 5 Enjoyable Things - Christmas Break 2008

1. Mayfields

Whether it is the milk, ice cream, or the sweet tea, this stuff rocks my socks off.  This is the same company that brought us Snow Cream Ice Cream 5 years ago.  How do I remember that?  Doodlbug and I polished off a half-gallon during various visits in front of the fire at my parents home.  My parents always bring me a gallon of their delicious milk when they come to visit now.  It's marvelous.  

2. Doodlebug's Shenanigans

Did you know the correct pronunciation of Charleston is Char-less-town.  I'm just saying.  It's the stuff like that I miss the most.  

3. Friends, Food, and Memories

I was able to have lunch with Connie and kids at Gondolier on Monday.  The kids dined on salad and spaghetti.  When her oldest told her dad that night what we had done she said "We went to the tea room and had pasta salad."  The Gondolier is nothing like the tea room but I guess pasta and a salad is kinda like pasta salad.  This is the same kid her told her dad I was amazing.  She's one of my favorites!

4.  Cold Weather

Don't get me wrong, I love living further South and enjoying the sun, but something about Christmas screams to me the need for cold weather, warm drinks, and cozy jackets.  I have definitely felt more wintery since coming here. 

5.  Christmas Oreo's

Seriously, nothing says the holiday more than the normal white filling being dyed red.  It's festive, sweet, and right up my alley.  

Well, that does it for now.  Come back after Christmas when I'm going to lure all of my blog-stalkers (lurkers) out of hiding with my first ever give-away.  And the more people who enter the more I'll have to give away.  So practice your commenting today and tell me something that is your favorite part of Christmas 2008.

What Day Is It Again?

I've noticed around the blogosphere (not that I stalk read a lot of blogs) that you can do the following: Works for Me Wednesday, Thursday Thirteen, Photo Hunters, Faith Lift Fridays, Wordless Wednesday, etc. etc. etc. However, I hardly ever remember to do the correct thing on the correct day because that would require organization and if you saw my coffee table right now you would know that organization is not high on my priority list since the maid moved out. Actually she never lived here. Dern. I forgot to buy the house with the maid and the maidsquarters. No pool boy either. My entire yard is hardly big enough for a wading pool for a 2 year old. And no, there is no 2 year old either. Just me. And the dog. So, for all practical purposes when I have something to post I'm going to post as follows:

Works-For-Me-Wednesday-On-Thursday (I mean, obviously if it worked on Wednesday it should work on Thursday.)

A shortcut I have found in the kitchen is that is I am microwaving something that is less than 1 minute and 39 seconds I type in the time as follows:

1 min 30 seconds = 90 seconds
1 min 15 seconds = 75 seconds

Rather than pushing 130 or 115 I only have to push two buttons: 90 and 75 respectively. This saves me seconds in my cooking/melting/heating. I hope it helps you save some time too!

*** For more useful Works For Me Wednesday tips head over to Rocks In My Dryer. She's the real deal.

Random-awesome-ness

The serious:

• Say a prayer for Amy Beth that she will feel better soon. Leave her a comment and lift her spirits.
• Pray for Leslie and Jessie as they are seeking God in the quest for children. I got to know them while working with the pre-teens before moving here and they are an AWESOME couple with a heart for Jesus and pre-teens. I can't wait to see which avenue God introduces children of their own to them.
• Pray for Ben and Arrowhead Church. I am so excited about this new church coming to my original hometown. My best friend and her husband are going to be a part of this and I pray for the impact God is going to have through this back where I come from.
• I found out today that a friend from my previous job has received his termination date. The economy sucks right now. I know I gripe and moan about my job a lot, but I am truly thankful I have a job.

The random:

• If Sears will come through, my Christmas shopping is almost done. Gotta get something for favorite cousin Jennifer though.
• Shanle and Shay are gone for 3 weeks. You know what that means? No one is "poking" me on Facebook.
• I'm watching The Biggest Loser . I need to be the biggest loser before the wedding(s) of these two....more on that later.
• Next week is Christmas. I have my china in the cabinet and I have finally started wrapping gifts. But this 78 degree weather is not really putting me in the mood. A tender Tennessee Christmas is the only Christmas for me....
• I got these for Christmas. Thanks mom and dad!
• I want to go to Cambodia in February. For this to happen I need to a) get permission from the warden boss and b) set my mind to being in a plane for 1 hour + 15 hours + 5 hours...each way. Pray for me about this trip.
• Guys at work who are attractive are called CB (cute boy). So far we have CB and CB2. CB2 needs to wear less ridiculous looking shoes or he will lose his place on the list.
• I can't wait for my niece and my sister to see their gifts. It's gonna be awesome.
• This girl is one of my new friends. He has been my friend for a while. I'm glad he chose her. I love her. She is perfect for him, and I am thankful that rather than losing a friend I am gaining one.
• I've started stalking some new blogs. I'll let you know if I think they are worthy of you stalking as well soon.

Well, I think that is enough for now. I hope this post finds you all healthy (well, except for Amy Beth), wealthy (in the spiritual sense), and wise (you are reading my blog...that speaks loads for you!). Merry Christmas!!!!

My Heart is Broken

Tonight I had dinner with 3 of the people who work at one of the companies I support.  Unbeknownst to me, one of the guys is planning on leavings his wife in the Spring.  The other lady is divorced and later on in the conversation it was revealed that in the last 2 years (or less) the other man who was with us has been married and divorced.  My heart just broke as these 3 individuals laughed at something which is so tragic.  The person who is planning to leave his wife said "the #1 cause of divorce is marriage."  I disagree.  The #1 cause of divorce is either marrying for the wrong reason or not valuing the covenent vows that you make with another person.  It just breaks my heart that our society takes marriage so flippantly.  And all three of these individuals also see nothing wrong with living with another person.  Yet they did not value the bond that they committed to with someone.  People often ask why I am not married or if I plan to marry.  I would love to be married one day.  I hope to be.  If it's in God's plan.  However, I do not want to settle for someone who down the road will sit at a table with 3 other people and talk (with apparent joy) about an impending divorce.  It's just not right.  And it leaves me with a heart broken for those who do.  

It's Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas

Today's agenda includes no less than the following:

• Pumpkin Pecan Chocolate Chunk Cookies
  
• Sugar Cookies
• Peanut Butter Cookies w/ Hershey Kisses
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• M&M Cookies
• Hershey Kiss Pretzels
• White Chocolate covered Nutter Butters
• White Chocolate covered peanut butter crackers
• Chex Mix

And I think that's all..... more information to come.  

It's My Blog I Can Vent If I Want To

At the beginning of October my co-worker and I learned she would be leaving the project we are on October 31. Then she went to Bermuda for a week. (I am not jealous, I spent two weeks in Europe. Or I'd be jealous. But anywho.) And while in Bermuda we learned she would be leaving in mid-October. So, not good. Then one of the two companies I support voted on their union contract. And the other decided to redo almost all of their pay policies. So, twice the work. Half the work force. Oh, and I spend most of my day in meetings. Please don't get me wrong, I am so thankful to have a job. I have been on the losing your job side of the fence. And I know that my boss understands. But man, if I don't get some of these things done and soon, it's not going to be pretty. So, I told them today I am not longer accepting meeting requests for Wednesdays. And probably Thursdays. I need those two days to just focus on what they have given me thus far plus all of the other things they give me on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. I will be working every day between now and the new year. Yes, that includes weekends, holidays, and the 2.5 personal days I have left. I may not work 8 hours each day. Some days it may be 10 and some it may be 2. But it will have to be every day in order to meet my deadlines. Please, do not feel sorry for me. This is what I signed up for and I love my job. I just didn't realize it would be so much. And for some difficult personalities. So I am praying. Praying for patience with the difficult people. Praying for focus for the road ahead. And most of all praying that what I do will glorify God and that the stress this puts on me will not cause me to be a bad witness to those around me.

She Said "YES!"

* And if you are counting, yes, both of my best friends got engaged recently.

White Christmas Pie

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
White Christmas Pie
Barbour Publishing, Inc (September 1, 2008)
by
Wanda E. Brunstetter

White Christmas Pie is the story of Will, an English boy raised by Amish parents. When Will was six years old his father left him with Regina and Mark, an Amish couple unable to have children of their own. A year after Will is left with them, they move from Pennsylvania to Indiana. Will grows up in the Amish community and joins the Amish church. He adopts their culture as his own and is engaged to marry Karen. His real daed (Pennsylvania-Dutch for dad), Frank, meanwhile becomes a Christian with his new family in Pennsylvania. This book tells of the joureny of Will in the Amish community and of his father in the English community and their journey back to one another.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Fascinated by the Amish people during the years of visiting her husband's family in Pennsylvania, WANDA E. BRUNSTETTER combined her interest with her writing and now has eleven novels about the Amish in print, along with numerous other stories and ministry booklets. She lives in Washington State, where her husband is a pastor, but takes every opportunity to visit Amish settlements throughout the states.

This year Wanda also publishedA Sister's Hope

If you would like to read the first chapter of White Christmas Pie, go HERE

Watch the book trailer:

Sweet Doodlebug

I called my parents tonight and Doodlebug was still at their house. Mom asked if she wanted to talk to me and she said "No, thank you," which is super-sweet, but I told mom that I wanted to ask Doodlebug what she wanted for Christmas. She then took the phone from mom and this is the conversation that took place:

Carrie: Hey Doodlebug! How are you?

Doodlebug: I'm good. How are you?

C: Good. What do you want for Christmas this year?

D: Hugs and Kisses from you.

C: That is so sweet! I can give you bunches of those.

D: Thousands. I want thousands of hugs and kisses from you.

D: Bye.

I love my niece. I love her child-like innocence and how she still sees the good in the tangible things we can give to each other without spending a dime. It doesn't mean she won't be getting one of these though. It will be a total surprise for her.

Granny Got Groove

My iPod mix will never be the same after hearing this.

29 Things about Shanle

1. She's a friend from God. Only He could grant me such a blessing.
2. She calls me "Kari"
3. She loves Salsarita's over Moe's
4. She's going to be a nurse practitioner
5. Then she's going to Italy for 3 weeks!
6. She married the oh-so-marvelous Shay.
7. Her wedding had the most amazing punch ever.
8. She keeps (kept) a Cracker Barrel map in her glove box.
9. We ordered Cracker Barrel to go on our way to Memphis
10. She always "pokes" me on FaceBook
11. She's the only one I "poke" back
12. She's real. In the purest of ways. The way a friend should be.
13. She's a great listener.
14. She wasn't afraid to leave her husband for the night to come to the mountains to celebrate my birthday with me 2 years ago.
15. Fried okra is one of her comfort foods.
16. She had me email Kerri to find out about how she does
her hair so she could copy it.
17. I'm still waiting on a picture of that haircut (other than a
cellphone picture).
18. She lets me crash at her house when I come to town.
19. She calls me on her way home from work. It's our time to catch up.
20. We have phone dates when Shay goes out of town.
21. She had an email per day from me the last time she went to Kenya.
22. She doesn't judge me for my rants and past mistakes.
23. She bought Shay a life-size stuffed dog because he's
allergic to real dogs.
24. She loves surprises.
25. She prays for God to do God-sized things in her life.
26. She has an amazing Christmas tree.
27. She lets me dye her hair.
28. She is one of my most loyal blog-readers.
29. Today's her birthday!!!! Here's to another wonderful year friend.

I love you!!!!

Wordless Wednesday - The Happy Couple

Photos courtesy of A Captured Photo and acapturedphoto.blogspot.com

Book Review - Rain Song by Alice Walker

Nicole Michelin avoids airplanes, motorcycles, and most of all, Japan, where her parents once were missionaries. Something happened in Japan...something that sent Nicole and her father back to America alone...something of which Nicole knows only bits and pieces. But she is content with life in little Mount Olive, North Carolina, with her quirky relatives, tank of lively fish, and plenty of homemade pineapple chutney. Through her online column for the Pretty Fishy Web site, she meets Harrison Michaels, who, much to her dismay, lives in Japan. She attempts to avoid him, but his emails tug at her heart. Then Harrison reveals that he knew her as a child in Japan. In fact, he knows more about her childhood than she does.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Rain Song, go HERE

Going to the Chapel

And they're gonna get married! My bestie Arynda has accepted the proposal of a young (old?) doctor named Josh and they are gonna get hitched. As I slowly mark through the names on my list of single friends, I can't help but think of all the great guys I've met as they have married themselves off. So here's to adding another guy to the list of people I consider friends.
Congrats Arynda and Josh! May God bless you both above and beyond your wildest imagination.

Amy Beth, So Fabulous

So, anyone who reads this blogs knows I'm a stalker. And for the past month or two (or three or four) I have been reading the blog Ministry So Fabulous! This girl rocks. In more ways that one. God put a burden on her heart while she was but a young college student, and she has turned that burden into Starlite ministries. So, before I tell you how you can help Amy Beth with her Ministry So Fabulous! I want to tell you a bit about why I have been drawn to her blog.

1. He called. She answered. And Starlite was born.


2. She has an imaginary boyfriend.


3. She cheats on imaginary boyfriend with Trey.


4. She shows a Jesus-like love to those whom others might not.


5. My heart has been broken like hers. So I cry with her when I read her blog and pray God will show her why this too will pass and she'll be O.K.


6. Her hair goals are to have hair volume like Beth Moore.


7. She calls processed nacho cheese PNC. How cute is that?

So, I ask, how could you not love this girl. So, this is where I tell you how you can help Amy Beth. Go read this post about an awesome, easy, and FREE way for you to help Amy Beth raise some money for Starlite. After all, what is a ministry for girls without the funds for PNC.

A Glimpse of My Life

Me, Connie, and Nancy in front of Poogan's Porch. YUMMY brunch!

Next, Arynda and Josh came to visit. We went to Fort Sumter...

and to see the Angel Oak.

Then the infamous Doodlebug "surprised" me and came down with mom and dad to see the new house. She requested hibachi shrimp for supper and at her entire meal (except soup) with chopsticks. Then it was off to buy the big 6-year-old her very first bike!

So, what you been up to?

Doodlebug is 6

And this age is best summed up by the amazing A. A. Milne

The End
When I was One,
I had just begun.
When I was Two,
I was nearly new.
When I was Three
I was hardly me.
When I was Four,
I was not much more.
When I was Five, I was just alive.
But now I am Six, I'm as clever as clever,
So I think I'll be six now for ever and ever.

Things That Make Me a Slacker Blogger

1) I don't post for almost a month (or more)
2) I miss important things like Shay's birthday
3) I forget to tell you that my mom and Connie were coming for a visit
4) And now they've left
5) I have a new favorite eating place: Poogan's Porch...brunch rocks!
6) Arynda and her man are coming this weekend. I finally get to meet the mystery guy.
7) My new house is almost completely moved into. Pics and a grand tour coming soon.
8) Not much else. I am praying about where God wants me and beginning to look at other churches to visit. Please be praying for me as I seek His will for where I should worship and serve.

In the Event of an Emergency

...you should always have the following foods on hand:

• Mini Nilla Wafers
• Pop Tarts (brown sugar cinnamon and cookie dough)
• Pretzel goldfish
• Cheese and cracker Handi Snacks
• Pitas
• Almonds (regular and Wasabi Soy)
• Bread
• Water
• M&Ms

And that my friends, is what you need to survive a hurricane. Or at least those were the things that appealed to us at Publix tonight. We did buy some hummus but it's in the fridge so I tried to focus only on the things which did not require electricity.

While I'm working on an important post...

head over to this other blog I stalk and read her blog from today. The last line got right to me.

Random Thoughts by Me

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."--Mark Twain

I ran across this quote this morning. I had read it recently and then saw it again this morning and it really spoke to me as it is how I wish my mind would work lately. However, my mind has not been going in that direction. I've been doubting my decisions. Thinking I shouldn't do certain things as they would be "the final nail in the coffin" so to say. However, so long as I feel God is in what I am doing, I shouldn't sit around and wait. Because in 20 years I will look back and fuss at myself and say "why didn't I do that." For instance, I'm glad I went to Europe this Summer. And it was a super-cool trip. However, I think I would have more emotions toward the trip had I backed out and not gone. Sad concept. So, I'm really going to pray that God will provide me the courage to do those things I have doubts about so long as they are in His will for my life.

A Passion Redeemed

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

A Passion Redeemed
Revell (September 1, 2008)
by
Julie Lessman


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:






Julie Lessman is a debut author who has already garnered writing acclaim, including ten Romance Writers of America awards. She is a commercial writer for Maritz Travel, a published poet and a Golden Heart Finalist. Julie has a heart to write “Mainstream Inspirational,” reaching the 21st-century woman with compelling love stories laced with God’s precepts. She resides in Missouri with her husband and their golden retriever, and has two grown children and a daughter-in-law. A Passion Most Pure was her first novel.




ABOUT THE BOOK

No man can resist her charms. Or so she thought. Charity O'Connor is a woman who gets what she wants. Her stunning beauty and flirtatious ways have always succeeded with men. Until Mitch Dennehy, that is.

Brilliant and dangerously handsome, Mitch is a no-nonsense newspaperman who wants nothing to do with her. Charity burned him once, destroying his engagement to the only woman he ever truly loved. He won't play with matches again. But Charity has a plan to turn up the heat, hoping to ignite the heart of the man she loves. And she always gets what she wants--one way or another.

Or does she? Will her best-laid schemes win his love? Or will her seductive ways drive him away forever? Book 2 in the Daughters of Boston series, A Passion Redeemed will captivate your heart and stir your soul with a story of faith and redemption rising from the ashes of temptation, desire, and shame.

Praise for the first book in the series:

"Full of romance, humor, rivalry, and betrayal, A Passion Most Pure will captivate readers from the first page." --Historical Novels Review "Superb! Incredible!

"I loved Julie Lessman's A Passion Most Pure from the second I picked it up until the very last moment I stopped reading." --Armchair Interviews

"I devoured this book and loved every single page. . . . This is a thick, juicy read, and one I would pick up again in a heartbeat." --christianreviewofbooks.com

If you would like to read an excerpt from A Passion Redeemed, go HERE. To purchase this book for yourself, click here.

Book Review - Twice Loved

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

is introducing


Twice Loved

Avon Inspire (July 22, 2008)

by

Lori Copeland


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lori lives in the beautiful Ozarks with her husband Lance. Lance and Lori have three sons, two daughter-in-laws, and five wonderful grandchildren. They are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.

Lori began her writing career in 1982, writing for the secular book market. In 1995 after many years of writing, Lori sensed that God was calling her to use her gift of writing to honor Him. It was at that time that Lori began writing for the Christian book market. To date, she has more than 95 books published including Now And Always
and Bluebonnet Belle.

ABOUT THE BOOK



Texas, 1865 Willow Madison and her friends, Copper and Audrey taught school in neighboring Texas communities until the Yankees rode into the area and burned them out. In the midst of fear and chaos, survivors banded together to fight for what remained of their homes. Then word reached the people that the terrible war was over.

Now penniless but still hopeful, Willow vows she will take care of her friends, Copper and Audrey, and her ailing uncle, in Thunder Ridge, Texas, even if it means having to marry wealthy Silas Sterling, a man thirty years her senior. But standing in her way is handsome sawmill owner Tucker Gray, with his enticing eyes and infuriating headstrong manner—the man Willow cannot get out of her head . . . or her heart. Even though her friends beg her not to give up her dream of happiness, Willow is determined to do the right thing for those who are dearest to her. But which path does God want Willow to take: a life of duty and commitment . . . or a life of everlasting love?

If you would like to read the first chapter of Twice Loved, go HERE

She Gets Me

If you sit and reflect on your life, they say if you have 5 great friends you are blessed. I mentioned some of my peeps who get me in my top 200 post. And I've learned that you don't take these people for granted. Last night I was hanging out with some friends and acquaintances (and when does a person go from acquaintance to friend?) I realized that my friend here who gets me and I spend a lot of time together. So much so that people think we are roommates. And I kinda felt guilty because we have all of these inside jokes that the people around us don't know and don't get. But then I realized that she will be leaving me soon. She's going to work for an amazing company on the other side of the world. And I'm gonna miss her like mad. So if people get annoyed that we have so much in common, spend so much time together, and have all these inside jokes then they can get over it because I'm gonna be selfish with her time while I have her here. But I also know that when she comes back in two years she'll still get me. Just like Arynda gets me. And Shanle gets me. And no amount of time or distance can change that.



(To protect her in the job she will be doing and where she is going her name can never be disclosed on this blog.)

200 Things About Me

In honor of my 200th post, here are 200 random things about me:


1 I love Jesus
2 I am 29 years old
3 I am 5' 2 1/2 " tall so I round up to 5' 3"
4 I love my mama
5 I love my daddy
6 They have been married 33 years
7 I have one sister
8 My oldest niece is my Doodlebug
9 My youngest niece is with Jesus
10 I just bought my second house
11 I am on my second grown-up job
12 I worked as many as 5 odd jobs at one time in college
13 I worked for two presidents at my university
14 One through his retirement
15 One through his inauguration
16 I love old school NASCAR
17 I miss old school NASCAR
18 I am a Braves fan
19 I have not watched a single game this year
20 I hate to fly
21 I work in the aeronautics industry as a consultant
22 I went to Europe this summer
23 I want to go to Cambodia
24 And Israel
25 I have friends in both places
26 I have a best friend from growing up and one from being a grownup
27 I wouldn't trade them for anything
28 I was blessed with 3 grandparents
29 And a great-aunt who lived to be 104
30 I am the oldest child
31 And the oldest grandchild
32 I was diagnosed with depression in high school
33 It strengthened me unlike no other trial I have ever been through
34 I love The Notebook; the book and the movie
35 I hate when Hollywood screws up a book by making it into a movie
36 James is one of my favorite books of the Bible
37 I tend to vote republican
38 I like to walk on the beach
39 Or in the mountains
40 I require little social interaction to be content
41 But I love getting together with my closest friends
42 I could eat a vegetable plate for supper and be happy
43 However a good filet mignon will never be turned down by me
44 I go to weddings for the cake and punch
45 Sometimes I make my own punch because I can
46 I wish I could make wedding punch as good as All Occasions
47 The Wedding Date is my favorite movie of the last 5 years
48 Catch and Release is my favorite movie of the last 5 weeks
49 I had never seen Notting Hill until Jeremy made me watch it last Summer
50 I have run 2 Half Marathons
51 I want to do another in the next year
52 I don’t look like a runner
53 I'm thankful you don't have to have a certain "look" to run
54 Building a house with Habitat for Humanity was one of the most fun things I've ever done
55 I enjoy hands-on projects
56 The best Christmas present I ever received was a DeWalt drill
57 My dad got it for me
58 I usually have to return gifts from my mom
59 Unless I picked them out, purchased them, and sold them back to her
60 I own a Wii
61 And 2 Wii-tars
62 According to Wii Fit I am 43
63 I have my granny's wedding band set
64 My Papaw always said they couldn't get married quickly because it took him a long time to save for the rings
65 I have two degrees
66 Accounting (what I went to school for)
67 Management Information Systems (what I ended up doing as a career)
68 I use little of either in my day-to-day job
69 If I went back to school I'd either get a degree in architecture, logistics, or human resources
70 "It is Well, With my Soul" reminds me it is all gonna be ok
71 I love sushi
72 But not sea urchin
73 I'm addicted to CWTV
74 LOST rocks
75 Go Skate
76 I watched this season of So You Think You Can Dance and it wasn't bad
77 I like making fun of Mary Murphy
78 I also do a pretty darn good impersonation of her
79 I am named after the grandmother I never met
80 My mom and I share the same birthstone
81 I was born in 1979
82 I have clogged at DollyWood
83 I have never played on an organized sports team
84 I was a performance gymnast at the age of 5
85 I quit before I was 7
86 I watched Mary Lou Retton perform her gold medal routines over and over on VHS
87 I love my iPods
88 I love my Bose
89 I love electronics
90 I'd rather have electronics than jewelry
91 I would like some diamond earrings though
92 I did not like the ending to Friends
93 I cried when Everybody Loves Raymond finished
94 I have never seen the series finale of Full House or 90210
95 I remember when everyone stayed home on Friday nights for TGIF
96 I now stay home on Friday nights for Friday Night Lights
97 I love my DVR
98 Connie is the friend I've known the longest
99 Arynda is my sounding board and biggest champion
100 Shanle is always there and completely gets my randomness
101 Shay lets me have Shanle when I need her
102 Betsy is always fun for travel planning
103 I took COBOL, Visual Basic, and SQL programming in college
104 I love chick flicks
105 And some guys movies
106 I don't do scary movies
107 I only had one wisdom tooth
108 I have an addiction to FaceBook
109 Especially FaceBook Flair
110 I love Oikos Greek Yogurt
111 And flax seed and pumpkin granola
112 Oreos are a comfort food
113 Some of my favorite mid-twenties memories are Monday night tennis matches
114 I still drink my hot tea out of a mug given to me by a friend in 7th grade
115 I always thought I'd live in Nashville when I was growing up
116 And be a CPA
117 I've did neither
118 I've been in lust but never in love
119 I thought I was in love once
120 Maybe twice
121 I am only 5 degrees seperated from Kevin Bacon
122 And 2 degrees from Kenny Chesney
123 Salsaritas is my favorite Mexican Cantina followed by Moe's; no Q'doba for this girl if I can help it
124 I could eat a McAllisters beef n cheddar spud every day
125 Or pizza
126 82 Queen is my favorite downtown Charleston restaurant
127 Basil runs a close second (I had not eaten here when I did my top 5 post)
128 SouthEnd Brewery ranks right up there
129 I love Mountain Dew but gave it up (involuntarily) when I went to Europe
130 I've only had one sip since then
131 I have eaten at McDonald's in Ireland, Scotland, and England
132 I've driven on the left side of the road in Ireland
133 No one was killed in that adventure
134 The day we left for Europe is probably the only time Arynda and I have ever fought
135 I've stayed in a Hotel Indigo (thanks Betsy!)
136 Hilton Head Island is my favorite vacation spot
137 But I want to build a house in the mountains
138 My friend, Mary, has recorded a CD
139 I love going to Middleton Place Plantation
140 My paternal grandfather was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries acquired in WWII
141 My maternal grandfather was a dairy farmer
142 They were/are the best grandfathers a girl could ask for
143 I know how to define 1st/2nd/3rd cousins and the levels of "removed"
144 It drives my cousins crazy when I correct them
145 I once sold Creative Memories
146 I have never completed a scrapbook of my own
147 BlueBell icecream makes me smile
148 I have never eaten Ben & Jerry's ice cream
149 I love Marble Slab
150 And Cheesecake Factory
151 Sarcasm defines my personality
152 I get that from my dad
153 As well as my blue eyes and fair complexion
154 I am right handed like my mother
155 And I look like her
156 I like Naked juice
157 Chick-Fil-A chicken biscuits are da bomb
158 We had a raccoon as a pet on two separate occasions growing up
159 I have a scar on my finger from one of them
160 Raccoons do not like it when you try to take a bag of marshmellows from them
161 I played "The Wedding March" in my aunt's wedding
162 My dad video taped my feet swining off the bench rather than my fingers playing the notes
163 I love to cook and entertain
164 I have read every Nicholas Sparks' book
165 I was a member of the Darrell Waltrip fan club as a child
166 I remember when the front and back stretch of Bristol were concrete
167 I also remember when they were the only stands at Bristol
168 I have naturally curly/unruly hair
169 I love pajamas
170 And flip flops
171 I seldom wear high heel shoes
172 All of my post-college roommates graduated from Auburn
173 I won the blue ribbon at the Beta Club convention in 8th grade for my cross-stitch project
174 It drives me nuts that Rachel ended up with Ross; I was team Joey
175 Tulips and lilies are my favorite flowers
176 Magnolias and Dogwoods are my favorite trees
177 I've been to Disney World three times in my life
178 I love making recipes from The Pioneer Woman
179 I was a blog stalker before it was cool
180 I Rock (Guitar Hero told me so)
181 I love to read
182 My favorite joke is: why do mermaids wear seashells? Because b shells are too small and d shells are too big.
183 Laying on a float in a pool is my idea of relaxation
184 Or in a hammock in the breeze
185 Verizon is my network of choice
186 I have five lines on my plan
187 I have a pseudo-roommate: she eats here, does laundry here, but doesn't live here
188 She's moving away soon and that makes me sad
189 Secret Clinical Strength makes me not stink
190 Fiesta is my dinnerware of choice
191 Pfaltzgraff is my Christmas china
192 I collect Hallmark lighthouse ornaments
193 I love Christmas trees with white lights
194 Homemade sausage makes me happy
195 Gmail rocks
196 I like to do laundry but I hate putting it away
197 I enjoy trying new foods
198 I am OCD about how my dishes are put away
199 I have a slight obsession/addiction to Oribit gum
200 I like edamame; boiled or dehydrated

So, there you go. 200 random things about me. If you made it to the end, congratulations. If you didn't, then oh well. No worries. I still like you.

In A Funk

So, I realize that lately I've been in a funk. Unfortunately my dear friends (and one new person who got a dose of my funk tonight) have probably realized this sooner than myself. But I'm working on getting out of it. And this is my 199th post. So I'm working on a 200 things about me post. 200 things...about me. Are you kidding me? I watch the same movies over and over again. I'm not exciting. So this list will be boring. But I'm gonna do it. Yes I am. And all 2 of you who read this blog regularly (if you're still reading it) will probably be bored by #20. But I'm doing this for me. Because after all, this blog is all about me.

Charleston Single No More

I'm a Charleston single, and it's a Charleston single. And in 13 days we will enter our marriage together as owner and house. And though I'm sure there will be fusses (when I can't cram all of my clothes into the closet) and hurt feelings (when I fall down the stairs or walk into a door) there will be lots of love and good times to be shared between us. So here's to many happy days, weeks, months and years!

To Let Them In (or Not)

Have you ever met someone who fascinated you but you weren't sure if you wanted to let them into your life or not? I've really found myself struggling lately with whether or not to open up a place in my life for someone. It's not that I think the person is bad, but it's the knowledge that it is a friendship that can't last for always. It would be temporary. Is it worth the temporary fun that could be had knowing that it could possibly end as quickly as it begins? Or knowing that I know the reason it would end? I guess I've faced so much loss in the last two years that I don't know that I want to let someone in who could walk away just as quickly. But these are my thoughts. My random thoughts. Thoughts I must pray on and seek His guidance in the situation.

That's (Not Exactly) Amore

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
That's (Not Exactly) Amore
FaithWords (August 14, 2008)
by
Tracey Bateman
ABOUT THE BOOK


When Laini Sullivan lands a job designing Nick Pantalone's coffee shop, there are two problems: one, Nick's nephew Joe hates all of her ideas and two, Laini has to admit he's right--she's a disaster at design. Still, she can't risk losing the job. To compromise, Joe brings in help on the project, while Laini continues to bake the goodies that keep his customers lining up.
Their relationship is moving along, so when new guy Officer Mark Hall implies that Joe's family is tied to the mob, Laini doesn't want to believe it. But things spin out of control when she meets the family, including "the uncles," who seem to confirm Mark's suspicions. To make things worse, Nana Pantalone makes it clear Laini isn't the kind of girl she has in mind for her grandson. Laini's not sure if she should give Joe the benefit of the doubt or just set her sites on Mark and fuhgetaboutit.

"Tracey draws us into the world of family and friendship with a few surprising twists along the way Bravo!"
~RACHEL HAUCK, author of Diva NashVegas and Sweet Caroline

If you would like to read the first chapter of That's (Not Exactly) Amore, go HERE

If you would like to read this book you can buy it here.

If You Could Ask God Just One Question...

....and receive an audible answer what would it be? I know that in different points of my life there have been times I wish I could just pick up the phone, hear His voice, and get an answer. If I could do this, but only once, what would I ask? Hmmm....

99 Cents or No Cents

I am a big fan of iTunes for several reasons. For one, I have a love affair with my iPod. It's always there for me. The iPod of choice now is a Classic (80 GB.) My first was a pink Mini but they don't make those now. If I would just buy a new battery I'd still carry it around because it's pink. And I love it. The second rason I love iTunes is I can still listen to Pastor Hollie through podcasts. It's that little bit of home I can get each week without driving 6 hours to church. If only I could get the choir on those podcasts too I'd be even happier.) And the last reason I love iTunes is because I love to listen to Top 40 radio (Country, Pop, Christian, etc.) and if I hear a song I like I go buy it. It's 99 cents. Love this! However, nothing irks me more than not being able to buy an artists song on iTunes. For example, I own every. single. Garth Brooks albumn out there. So, did I want to buy his latest and greatist hits albumn just for the 3 new songs. Nope. I wanted to buy them on iTunes for a total of $2.97 because I had all the other songs. But Garth doesn't allow that. So I buy nothing. I'm not going to spend $15-20 on a CD I own 90% of the music on. I'll spend $2.97 but that's it. I'm not going to get suckered into the other music just because you want more money for yourself. Same thing with Kid Rock. I really wanted to buy his song "All Summer Long" but he, too, wants me to buy his whole CD. Don't think so. I'm sure the lyrics and words are completely inappropriate and I'm not getting it. I just like the one song. So, I won't be spending $10-15 on the whole CD. I'm not sure if the artists understand they are probably losing money overall. Or people are downloading illegally off the internet rather than the artist getting the 99 cents. I'm not one of those people, but I can't really say I blame those who do.

All Through the Night - Davis Bunn

This past week I have been reading the book "All Through the Night" by Davis Bunn. It has been such an exciting book. While I am not quite finished with it yet, I am eager to get to the finish. While I normally pick up fiction books that are written from a feminine perspective, I am really enjoying the mascualine view point that David Bunn lends to the book. The details he puts into how a male's mind views certain events within the early chapters of the book really drew me into the main chacter, Wayne. Until I finish the book, I'll leave you with the following synopsis.

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This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
All Through The Night
(Bethany House - July 1, 2008)
by
Davis Bunn

ABOUT THE BOOK


A loner, trying to forget. A community--and a woman--who need for him to remember...
Broken relationships and unfulfilled promises scatter themselves across Wayne's past like burned-out craters. His background in military special-ops is something he's trying to forget. But when he gets himself sweet-talked into helping a quirky group of seniors who've been scammed, he discovers it will take a lot more than muscle and nerve. Breach a conman's high-security estate to recover stolen money? No problem. Become part of community? Love again? Not on your life.

A lawyer with her own painful past is intrigued by Wayne and asks him to take on another unusual case--Tatanya's wealthy employer believes he's been visited by...an angel? Did a messenger from God in a pinstripe suit truly bring a divine warning, or is this merely another cruel hoax? Tatanya is willing to trust Wayne with her boss's life, but she's not sure she's ready to trust him with her own wounded heart.

With a financial analyst's skills and a warrior's tenacity, Wayne races to unmask dangerous forces hiding behind a corporate veil. But he will need all his resources--and then some--against an unseen enemy bent on destroying his fragile bid for a second chance at life...and love.

All he wanted was to put his past behind him. But now it's the only thing that will save them...

If you would like to read the first chapter of All Through The Night, go HERE

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If you would like to pick up a copy of this book for yourself, click here to buy it.

I'm Over It

So, I'm over posting about death. This will hopefully (and prayerfully) be my last post like this for a while.

My mom called me this last Monday to say my uncle had been killed in a work accident. So, in less than 10 minutes my out-of-office was on, my bag was packed, and I was headed out the door to finish everything in this town to start the long drive home. Mom called me at 2:30 and I was back in East TN by 9:30. Praise the Lord I did not encounter any traffic even though I should have been driving through Columbia during rush hour. God is good. My uncle was only 49. We just don't know when our last days will be. While death is always tragic my uncle passed away on my dad's birthday. It was also 2 years and 1 day after Emma died. I told my dad we are moving his birthday to another month because I'm tired of him having such rotten birthdays. January 16 sounds good. No, then he'd have to share with me and I'm not crazy about sharing my birthday. He can have January 17. I have also told the funeral director (a family friend) and an in-law of one of my aunts that I am tired of seeing them. So next time I go home I'm inviting them over for dinner so I can say I have seen them outside of a funeral. It's so sad that funerals are the only time people make to get together. And I am as guilty of this as any other.

My week consisted of running errands for my aunt (personal shopper) and my mom. I also got to grandparent-sit. Both of my grandparents have dementia/alzheimers so it is always entertaining to be there. I love to listen to them tell the other how much they love each other. They never used to do this. It is sweet to me though. I know they won't be around forever but I'll at least have these sweet memories to remember them by.

So I feel like I just rambled. But I need that. I think I'm going to start using this blog as my personal journal. Feel free to read and comment. But know that if you are offended I will not take back what I say. I will post my feelings and thoughts and that is the perk to being me...RandomCarrie.

Terminology Is Everything

While attending the Charleston Riverdogs game against the Columbus Catfish, the following conversation occured:

Liz: There is no hope. They are down by 7 points.
Carrie: It's runs, not points.
Grace: Let's compromise. They are down by 7 baskets.

A Random Rant

So, it's been a while. But I'm back. And I have a random rant. My home church is large. Not like basketball arena large, but larger than any of the churches where I now live. And one thing I love about my home church is that they openly advertise their wonderful childcare that is available during the services. But guess what? Smaller churches have childcare too. You know how I know? Because I now go to a smaller church (not tiny, but medium sized) and I pass the nursery every Sunday on my way to worship and again after worship on my way to Sunday School. So, why do some parents feel the need to bring their child into the service? If the child is not going to sleep (normally over 3 months old) then either put the child in the nursery or sit near the back of the church so you can leave the sanctuary when your child starts making noises. Especially if you are distracting a row of people with your child. Or maybe it's jut me. But still. Support your local nursery worker: enroll your child! The time spend with other adults and children is good for them.

Ok, I feel better getting that off my chest. And yes, I love children. Just not in church services.

104+ Glorious Years

1 week ago tomorrow this world lost an amazing woman. My great-aunt passed away last weekend at the ripe age of 104. It's still surreal to me that I will never see her alive again. So many of my life memories involve her. When we were young, my 3 great aunts were our babysitters. If mom had plans, we were either at the aunts' home or they were at our house. My mom fixed my great-aunt's hair every Saturday. I made $1 off each hair-do. It may not be a get rich quick plan, but I loved that dollar. It went in an envelope in the drawer of my mom's dresser and helped pay for my college. And then there were the piano lessons. And eating corn flakes with brown sugar sprinkled on top. Her last new car was purchased in 1984. It had less than half the miles on it that I have on my car after she drove it for 10+ years. I've had my car for nearly 6. Her hair was the most beautiful shade of white you have ever seen. I pray that my hair will turn white like that. I will embrace my white hair if it is that gorgeous. At her funeral my cousin and I were talking about all she saw in her years. She saw air transportation become a reality. Yet she never flew in an airplane and saw no reason to. She saw the evolution of indoor plumbing, electricity, and the telephone. She taught school for 45 years and only quit because she was forced. To love your job that much takes a special person. And she was. On her 95th birthday she perched herself atop my uncle's Harley-Davidson motorcycle. After all, she and Harley are the same age. She saw numerous presidents, 2 World Wars, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and 2 Wars in the Middle East. Woman could not vote when she was born and desegregation was still many years to come. The oldest of 9 children, she buried outlived 6 of her siblings. As I sat at the funeral next to my Papaw, her youngest brother, I thought how blessed I am. So much of who I am today would not have been possible without her. After all, I cannot sing on key to save my life. But because of her, I can read the notes and tell you what they mean. Aunt Grace, thank you for everything, from the $1 weekly allowance to the 7 years of piano lessons, enouragement through college, and support in my post-college adventures. It was my pleasure to know you. May your legacy outlast your life.

You Shouldn't Judge a Book by Its Cover

This week I had the opportunity to review the book Winter Haven by Athol Dickson. I was given a brief review of the book several weeks ago and it intrigued me. When I received the book I will admit that I briefly thought that I was no longer interested based on the cover. However, I was soon proven very wrong. This book kept me intrigued from the first chapter. I am normally a person who cannot go to sleep unless I finish a chapter. Mr. Dickson left each chapter with a cliffhanger worthy of any dramatic series on TV. I found myself having to pick a stopping point in the middle of a chapter just so I would be able to sleep and not find myself lying in bed wondering what was going to happen to Vera next. I hightly recommend you go to your nearest bookstore or check out Amazon for this great find!

Read below for a quick preview of this book! And enjoy! It is worth your time to pick this one up and read it. Thank you Mr. Dickson for entertaining my mind this past week. It was a pleasure to spend my evening trapped between the pages of your book.

***********************************************************

Boys who never age, giants lost in time, mist that never rises, questions never asked...on the most remote of islands off the coast of Maine, history haunts the present and Vera Gamble wrestles with a past that will not yield. Will she find refuge there, or will her ghosts prevail on...Winter Haven

Eleven years ago, Vera Gamble's brother left their house never to be seen again. Until the day Vera gets a phone call that his body has been found...washed ashore in the tiny island town of Winter Haven, Maine. His only surviving kin, Vera travels north to claim the body...and finds herself tumbling into a tangled mystery. Her brother hasn't aged a day since last she saw him.Determined to uncover what happened in those lost years, Vera soon discovers there are other secrets lurking in this isolated town. But Winter Haven's murky past now seems bound to come to light as one woman seeks the undeniable and flooding light of truth.

I'm Tired

So, I've been pretty slack around blogland lately. My biggest excuse is that I can't stand the fact that I have to sign out of my gmail account in order to sign into blogger because they won't let me switch my sign-in email for this blog to my gmail email. How ridiculous is that? So, I have to sign out of gmail and into blogger and then sign out of blogger and back into gmail. It's just a pain. And I'm whining. And that's childish. But I'm ok with that so it shouldn't bother you. However, if you know of a solution then you might just be my favorite person. Might. So don't get your hopes up prematurally. (Is that a word?)

So, last week the fam and I went to Disney World. What was I thinking? Ok, it was a lot of fun. It was Doodlebug's first plane trip and her first trip to Disney World. She is all about the princesses right now so it was a great time for her to go see them. It was very overwhelming for a 5 year-old and we didn't plan very well, but after the rough couple of years that our family has been through, just getting away for a week was worth every penny and souvenier.

So, in rememberance of our trip here is one of my favorite pics of my favorite little 5 year-old.

Amber Morn

I recently read the book Amber Morn by Brandilyn Collins. This book is the fourth in the series Kenner Lake. I had not read the first three books but that did not deter me from digging right into this book. On a Saturday morning a group of local citizens known as "Scenes and Beans" bloggers gathered at the Java Joint to celebrate a local author. During this celebration a trio of gunmen take them all hostage. While this book was an easy read, Brandilyn did an excellent job of intersecting some unsuspected twists into the book. I highly recommend this book to someone who would enjoy a suspenseful read without being scared. I hope to be able to read the first three books in this series and I learn more about the characters back stories. If you would like to read this book, check out the link above. Happy Reading!

1 - 82 Queen

Umm, Umm, Good. And that's really all you need to know. Because I love you, I'll tell you more.

The backstory. In K-town I have a friend named Toby. Prior to one of my vacations to the low-country he told me I should try 82 Queen. However, my friends are cheap. I love them, but they won't shell out the cash for a meal like this. So I didn't go. Oh well (or so I thought.) Then I moved down here and I heard my co-workers raving about said restaurant. I checked out the menu and thought to myself, "I'd like to try it one of these days." And in December I got my chance.

My team had our year-end party (that is PC for Christmas Party) at 82 Queen. And I fell in love. Not lust for I did not want this meal to end. It was a head over heels type of love. And this love lasted much longer than this relationship. Never in my life have I felt the need to take a bite of food and savor it in my mouth for as long as I did here. What fabulous fare did I dine upon you ask? I had the Grilled Pesto Encrusted Grouper. A finer fish has never passed my lips as did this grouper. I wanted to describe the food the way the judges do on Iron Chef America when they have been given a fabulous dish from the chefs. It was that good. Seriously. And did I mention it came with fried green tomatoes and grits? Well, it did. And they were delish. Ous. Perfect in fact. A finer grit has never passed my lips.

So, had I known what I was missing when I came with my frugal friends I would have left them to dine at a less than perfect restaurant and had a meal by myself. It would have been worth every penny and moment without them. Well, maybe not because I love my moments with my friends. But the food would be good.

P.S. There was pie. Key lime pie. Oh so very good. You should come visit and try it!

2 - South End Brewery

I have probably walked by South End Brewery a dozen times and never given it a second notice. However, my parents came into town the end of January to celebrate this and my mom's birthday. So I asked around and work and this was the suggestion that sounded best. So off we went. Mom. Dad. Me.

And it was delish. For starters we had "Roasted Garlic, Brie Cheese, and Tomato Chutney." They served it with their flatbread which is made in-house. At first I wasn't sure why my mom thought we needed an appetizer but it was probably one of the single best decisions she has ever made. I love my mom. Really. But she outdid herself with this one.

So on to the main course. I had the crab cakes with garlic mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. I love steamed vegetables and have never met a potato that didn't immediately say "eat me, Carrie, you know you'll love me." And I did. And I was in love. Oh, and the crab cakes were excellent too. Mom ordered the shrimp and grits. It's what the low-country is known for. The grits were some of the best I have ever eaten. And anytime you mention Andouille sausage I'm all there. So I ate a few bites of hers. After all, we were celebrating me too. And then my dad. Dear old dad. He doesn't do seafood. Unless it is from Captain D's. I just don't understand him. But the love is still there. He got the garlic rubbed pork tenderloin. Served over grits. The same grits from mom's shrimp and grits. And every bit as good.

All in all this was a fan-tabulous meal. My only regret is there was no room in my stomach left for dessert because the wood fired apple cobbler sounds divine. Maybe next time. There will be a next time. And I can't wait!

3 - Coast Bar and Grill

For # 3 I choose Coast Bar and Grill. This is the restaurant I went for my very first team dinner. It is located in an alley behind 39 Rue de Jean (its sister restaurant.) The atmosphere is young and hip and the old brick walls definitely add some fun ambiance to the place. In warmer weather you can choose to sit outside on the patio.

I had only been at my job for a week and a half when we went so I got to sit back, listen to the conversation, and enjoy some good food. For appetizers we had Fried Green Tomatoes and Asian Tuna Tartare. These were fabulous. The sweet pepper relish that came with the Fried Green Tomatoes was amazing. For the main course I had grilled Mahi-Mahi which came with sauteed vegetables, pramesan mashed potatoes and I got to pick my own sauce! I chose a tropical salsa and I did not go wrong. (Not to brag on myself, but still. It was what I like to call good eats!) I have eaten at Coast twice since this experience and neither experience let me down. Their Coast Crab Soup is excellent and I had a house special the other time which was 2 different seafoods. I don't remember exactly what they were, but who cares...it was an excellent dining experience. So, I rank Coast my #3 favorite restaurant in Charleston.

Why My Life is Like Mastercard

$12 - Daily Parking Rate at Charleston International Airport
$17 - Supper at The Cheesecake Factory
$20 - Money donated to Abby for being my chauffeure
$30 - Dogsitting Fee
$138 - Round Trip Ticket to Atlanta on AirTran

Showing up in Atlanta to surprise my best friend and her mom on their shopping trip

P*R*I*C*E*L*E*S*S

* And thanks to MasterCard for allowing me the priviledge of putting the plane ticket on their card. :-)

4 - Al Di La

Sorry, I've been a blog slacker. I actually wrote my #4 post and then it wouldn't post and then I decided that shouldn't be my #4 (it actually didn't need to be in the top 5) so here I am with #4. Whew. Now that I have that out of the way let's talk some Al Di La.

Al Di La was the second dinner I went to with my team here in Charleston. It was Halloween and they invited me to go out to eat. Unfortunately Al Di La is VERY local so there is no website. :-( However, you will not be disapointed in the surprise that awaits you. The menu changes regularly, but the food is amazing. I had a chicken dish with proscuitto and mashed potatoes. I'm pretty sure there was some other type of steamed veggie, but it was over 3 months ago. You seriously don't expect me to remember back that far do you? So, if you are in the Charleston area, want some Italian food, then I highly suggest Al Di La. (Click for a review of this restaurant.)

5 - Mercato

This week I am going to count down my 5 favorite dining experiences since I moved to the Low-Country. So, enjoy a "taste of the Low Country" with me.

I was treated to Mercato for #29. You can read about that here. This is an Italian restaurant in the downtown Charleston area. It is across the street from the Charleston City Market and Daughters of the Confederacy museum. But enough about location...this post is about food. And good food it was. For an appetizer we ordered an olive and pickle plate. Those who know me best know I can't stand olives, but I've never met a pickle that I didn't want to consume. And consume those little babies I did. They were very different tasting, but again it is a pickle. I. Do. Not. Discriminate.

On to the main course. I, being a web guru (and lover of knowing all things ahead of time) had already purused the menu prior to going to this establishment. Well, actually I had to pick a place so I perused a couple of different menus before decided on this one. But that's another story for another time. Long story short, I chose the beef marsala grilled flat iron steak with sauteed wild mushrooms, haricot vert, and mashed potatoes. Mmmm, Mmmm, good. The steak was cook perfectly, the potatoes were divine, and I learned that haricot vert is a fancy smancy way of saying green bean. All in all a very good meal. Mercato...you are #5 on my list.

Wordless Wednesday

Reconstructing Natalie

Sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas I visited the $5 Christian book store in glorious West Town Mall. During my time there I picked up the book "Reconstructing Natalie" by Laura Jenson Walker. It was one of the Women of Faith books. As a self-proclaimed queen of chick-lit novels, I have read several books by this group and this one looked good. I knew it was about a girl who had breast cancer, but I didn't realize how it would hit home with me. No, I don't have cancer nor do any of my friends at this time. But I realized two things reading this book: 1) if I ever have cancer I hope I face it with the bravery of Natalie and 2) I hope if I ever have a friend in a position such as this that I will support that friend as Natalie's friends supported her. So, if you are a girl who digs a good book I highly recommend this one to you. I hope you will laugh and cry with Natalie as she braves the highs and lows in this book.

29 Great Things About Today

1) Arynda called me early. I mean really early. Before I left my house early.

2) My dad called after I left the house and first checked to see if he work me up. I had been up since 5:45. Seriously, once you're retired you forget other people work for a living.

3) Mom reminded me that 1:13 PM is more important than 7:00 AM

4) Mary Neill called and sang.

5) Sue called and left a voicemail.

6) I got lunch for free...well, compliments of the fact we went to a restaurant where they will not split your tab and the guys I work with are points hogs

7) I got flowers. From Arynda. I don't deserve her friendship. But I am thankful for it.

8) People wrote on my wall.

9) I got no bills in the mail!

10) Tea at the Gallery called...my iPot is in.

11) I am healthy!

12) I have a job which challenges me in more ways than I can count.

13) I get to eat dinner here tonight.

14) Betsy sent me a Hoops and YoYo card.

15) Betsy sent me a DJ your own song card.

16) Shanle sent me a text. She didn't call me at 12:30 AM. I wouldn't have been mad at her if she had. I love her that much!

17) My Papaw read the calendar and it registered with him what today was.

18) He then sang to me on the phone.

19) My granny talked to me. She told me to call her whenever I need to.

20) This may be the last time my grandparents call me. I will cherish this memory.

21) Doodlebug picked me out a card. My sister didn't mail it because she doesn't have my address.

22) I sent myself a Facebook message from someone else's account. :-)

23) Steve Jobs did not announce a new iPod Nano. This saves me money.

24) Connie C called. Her big day is tomorrow. We're going to compare dinner notes. Italian vs. Italian.

25) My best guy friend sent me a text. After he was prompted. I'm not complaining. Guys are guys and they are forgetful. He tries. Besides, I'm not his #1 girl...I'm #2. And I'm ok with that.

26) The West family did not forget me either.

27) Traffic was not bad today...the jam was before I get on the interstate. YEAH!

28) I've reached the age where you start holding...but I'm going to keep going.

29) Jesus loves me. I love Him! It doesn't get any better than that.

Time Travel Tuesday

I will start this post off by saying I am not a Valentine's person. In fact I think it is a stupid holiday and I say that having been in relationships on February 14. I have just celebrated Christmas and my birthday. It would be better served for me if it were in July. However, a few years ago I was dating someone and they were planning on being out of town for Valentine's Day. Seeing as how I don't enjoy the holiday I didn't say anything. When he figured it out he cancelled his plans (left the following day) so we could do something. How sweet. Blah Blah Blah. So, that night I went to his house and he surprised me by saying he had reservations to our favorite Mediterranean restaurant. We arrived at the restaurant and were seated. I normally would order some type of mediterranean pasta dish or salad, but that night I felt like a nice brick oven pizza. This place had the BEST brike oven pizzas. So, our little waitress comes over and I said "I would like a pizza." She snapped back "we don't have those." So my date, being oh so sweet, replied "oh, you're not serving them tonight because it is Valentine's Day." She snapped back "no, we're never serving them again." So we quickly picked something off the "special" Valentine's menu and she went to place our order. We commented on how sad it was that they had discontinued their pizzas. We continued our meal (which was very nice by the way because this was our FAVORITE Mediterranean place) and left happy. The next week we were at his basketball game and I was talking to a good friend of mine. She asked me what we did and I told her. She said, "But that place is closed." And I said, "No, I promise we ate there." She replied, "Well, then it closed the next day because my roommate was a waitress (now unemployeed) there." Apparently they stayed open through Valentine's Day and then closed. So, while I am still not a fan of the holiday I am glad that I was dating someone then who was so I got to have one final meal at that restaurant. Plus it's a great story to tell.

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Workout Day #2: No workout. Just work. Lots and lots of work. I'll be back tomorrow.