Date: November 27, 2010 Location: Bob and Carol's Linden, AL
Hi there!
Today we drove to Linden to visit my dad and his in-laws. I've known Bob and Carol since I was eight years old. Year after year, they have invited us to their house for their family's Thanksgiving, always the Saturday after the official one. This year, I went.
It was nice. There was a large crowd, including my dad's mother, aunt, and nephew.
This is Chelsey and her new dog, Max. They were outside to greet us when we drove up.
Date: November 26, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Who cares about the Iron Bowl after that?
Seriously, who cares? To relieve some stress in our house after the loss, Justin and I went out shopping. We found him some shirts and a tie that were on sale because of Black Friday.
Then we chose some new books to read. I knew what I wanted before I got in the store.
Despite Bama's loss, Black Friday was a good way to end the chaotic week.
Date: November 25, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Not Exactly Thanksgiving Food
With all of the excitement and chaos of Thanksgiving, I completely forgot to take pictures of the huge meal I had worked so hard to prepare.
Instead, you have a picture of the food I made after Thanksgiving (what was I thinking, right?). It was for work the next day.
Since there were just three of us scheduled to be in the office, we decided to have "football food" to snack on all day for the Iron Bowl. I made Rice Krispy Treats and Stuffed Sausage Croissants (filled with cream cheese, sausage, and jalapenos).
Date: November 24, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Creative Shelving
I don't know why anyone would want a side-by-side refrigerator and freezer. They aren't very large; you can't fit many items into either one.
Nonetheless, I had to make all of my Thanksgiving food fit in the fridge. If you look closely, you can see cookie sheets between the dishes. Hey, it worked, and I thought it was clever.
Date: November 23, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Floor Protectors
When I moved to college, my mom bought me these two black wrought iron chairs. I have always loved them.
To add places at the dining room table, I move these chairs to the table. This year, I have (relatively) new hardwoods in the dining room, and the chairs did not have protective feet on them. Luckily I found the black tips at Target. The felt is for my dining chairs, just to be safe. Last time we had guests, I put towels down to protect the floor. These are just a little more tasteful, I think.
Date: November 22, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Stuff the Pantry
With Thanksgiving coming up, there were many groceries to buy and many dishes to prepare.Today I bought all the groceries so that I could prepare the casseroles and side dishes ahead of time. It worked out well.
After seeing this picture, I see that the pantry needs a fresh coat of paint. Maybe I can work on that soon.
Date: November 19, 2010 Location: BB&T Tuscaloosa, AL
Seriously.
Because of yesterday's football game, corporate decided to let us close the branch early (yay!). Even though I am ecstatic about the time off, I am in disbelief that this decision was made.
This is the sign we hung on the door yesterday. I thought is was picture worthy.
Date: November 15, 2010 Location: BB&T Tuscaloosa, AL
The Sky is Falling
After several days of steady, heavy rain, the ceiling tiles at work began to leak and stain with water spots. Then, all of a sudden, one tile fell in the middle of the floor. It created quite a mess and a good laugh.
However, the clean-up was not fun (at least I assume it was not fun; we left it for the cleaning crew). The next day, the only sign that it happened was the gaping hole in the ceiling.
Date: November 14, 2010 Location: City Buffet Northport, AL
The Familiar View
Since we were unable to have lunch with Billy and Chris today, we met them for dinner at City Buffet.
When leaving the restaurant, I saw a familiar view: the lights of Northport at night. I once saw these lights each night I went home. But since we've moved across the river, I've all but forgotten them.
Date: November 13, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Saban Spanking
While watching the game this week, Justin noticed Saban spanking McCarron on the sideline.
We thought it was hilarious; we even hit rewind a time or two to watch it over again.I give you the during shot and the after shot. You can read about it here.
Date: November 12, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Clean the Kitchen
Why are there some things you can never finish? It seems that no matter how frequently or how much time is spent, I can never keep the kitchen spotless.
As soon as I've washed the last dish, drained the water, and wiped the counter down, it never fails that a stray glass or utensil finds its way into the dissolving suds.
Date: November 11, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Am I Seeing Things?
Justin and I had today off so he scheduled a consultation with an eye doctor; he has decided to have LASIK surgery.
After the appointment, we decided to eat at Carrabba's Italian Grill. During our drive, as I was mindlessly looking out the windows, I noticed this clever work of art.
I am told that this is the old Health South Building. I am still unsure of why NOW is displayed in the windows.
Date: November 8, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Egg Nog
For me, there are many items that represent the holiday season. One of my favorites is egg nog. I look forward to buying this carton every year. And I want Barber's, no other brand.
I like it straight. I know it's common to mix it with alcohol, but I don't like to mess with the perfection of this concoction. To be honest, I like Barber's better than homemade (at least the one I've had).
Date: November 6, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Painting Day
This is a table and chair I have had for years. Once upon a time, there were two chairs, but one was broken by an old friend.
The paint was beginning to chip off the set so Justin and I thought we'd try spray painting it. I think it looks great, just like new!
It now sits on the front porch (with our new lights). I need to buy a pretty red flower to put on top of it and the front porch will officially be decorated.
Date: November 5, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
It's that time of year
Flu Season. There is almost no way to avoid it. Justin started with a sore throat and kept a cold for more than a week. However, I started taking my night and day regime as soon as I felt it coming and only kept the cold five days.
It's bad to be sick; it makes me feel needy, like a baby.
Date: November 4, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Not a pleasant night at the Snyder's
The evening started out very well. We went to Clay and Krista's for dinner; little Connor is growing so fast.
The drive home was nice, too. Justin graciously turned the car's heater on for me (even though the weather was cool, not cold).
We arrived home shortly after 9 p.m. The Office was recorded on the DVR so we settled in to watch it and shared many laughs.
We decided to go to bed so Justin went to the kitchen to turn out the lights.
Then the night turned ugly. Justin dropped his iPhone on the kitchen's porcelain tile, and it landed face down. Ouch.
***Update: We tried to repair the screen ourselves: Mistake 1. We watched a how-to video online, and I felt very confident that we could do it. When the part arrived, I began the repair without watching the video again: Mistake 2. To make a long story shorter, I tried to pry the phone apart in the wrong place: Mistake 3. This is what ruined the iPhone. I have given mine to Justin to use until he is eligible for an upgrade in January 2011. In the mean time, I am using an old Motorola Razor that I kept from years ago.
Date: November 3, 2010 Location: Kobe Tuscaloosa, AL
Dining out, Catching up
I love catching up with friends. I would rather that we not let so much time pass between visits. Nonetheless, I love the anticipation of finding out what's new and picking up where we left off.
Tonight, I met Shannon at Kobe for sushi. We shared our latest news, hers much more interesting than mine. She is finishing nursing school, preparing for a move out of town, and applying for jobs. It's all very exciting.
Any sushi outing means I order an extra roll and request a to-go box to take Justin samples of each one. He enjoys the occasional treat.
Date: November 2, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
"We're not like that." Unfortunately, this post might seem cryptic to many of you. I apologize in advance.
Today I faced a difficult decision. In the end, I feel that I made the right choice because the alternative could have negatively affected a friendship. Now, it's all behind us, and we can look back and smile.
Date: November 1, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Not exactly like riding a bike...
Alright, I guess I have to tell one of my secrets. In junior high and high school, I was in marching band - because my parents made me. At first, it was tolerable, but eventually I despised it. My loathing was so bad that I refused to learn the halftime music. Boy, I was dumb.
Honestly, I would love to have that wasted time back that I spent in the band room. At the same time, I wish I still played, er, rather that I had tried harder to learn to play.
I dug the clarinet out of my closet after seven or more years of collecting dust. I went to a local music store and bought reeds. Then I tried to remember finger placements as I read through the little sheet music that I kept. Fail.
I can still read the music; I know the notes on the page. I tried using a clarinet fingering chart I found online, but I am still lost. On top of it all, my lung capacity is apparently not what it once was. This is going to be a true challenge.
Date: October 28, 2010 Location: Holy Spirit Catholic School Tuscaloosa, AL
The Next Season
At our house, the four seasons aren't winter, spring, summer, and fall. Instead, we have football, basketball, baseball, and summer.We even have a cross-stitched picture to prove it (a gift Justin received years ago from a relative).
Today's game is the first in a preseason tournament. The outcome determines what time the girls will play Saturday.
Unfortunately, the first game resulted in the first loss. Although they played hard, the girls will play the early game Saturday at 9 a.m.
Date: October 26, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Another Food Shot, Again
Heads or Tails Double Stuff Oreo.
It's the perfect balance of creme filling, chocolate cookie and vanilla cookie. It blends together in your mouth so that the result is a creamy, smooth, rich flavor.
Date: October 26, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Soul Food
I guess they call it soul food because it makes you warm on the inside and reminds you of where you come from.
You are looking at one of my personal favorites: Southern cornbread. It is certified Southern, too: cooked in a cast iron skillet, not made from Jiffy mix, and served with peas.
Date: October 25, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Needs Improvement
This is our current kitchen light. It's seriously an eye sore and I know it needs to be replaced. The truth is, it gives off great light, and I can't decided on one particular light (we've been shopping more than once).
Hopefully I will have a picture of the new light to post soon.
Date: October 23, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
My Handyman
Remember those front porch lights I wanted so badly? We bought them and finally installed them by ourselves!
The first light took a little longer to install than the second. The first one was a learning experience; by the time we got to the second, Justin was a pro.
For our next electrical job, we'll replace the kitchen lights.
Date: October 22, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
More proof that I'm old
8:47 p.m. Friday night. And I am going to bed.
I remember the days when I didn't get off work until 9:30 and I would go home, shower, and get dressed to go out. My friends and I would watch movies and play cards for hours. I was lucky to make it to bed by 2 a.m. back then.
I reminisce about all of this, but I wouldn't change it for the world.The difference in now and then is drastic, but the transition happened so slowly that it seemed to not happen at all.
Date: October 21, 2010 Location: Wild Cat Stadium Northport, AL
Go Panthers!
Last game of the season!
The Panthers played for third place in the championship games. It was a good game; each team fighting hard for the lead. The Panthers pulled through in the end to win another one!
Date: October 18, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
House, MD
Although he's harsh and abrasive, you can't help but love him. This is Dr. House, played by British actor Hugh Laurie.
House and his team work with special diagnosis; they almost always let their patient die before House's "ah-ha" moment in which he finally finds the answer.
He is terribly blunt; therefore, he has no bedside manner. His social interactions suffer because of this as well.
With his team's help, House is able to diagnose the toughest cases, yet they are unable to diagnose him.
Date: October 17, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Privacy, please
Tonight we installed enclosed blinds on our carport door. Key words: we installed!
I enjoy our mini home improvement projects. There is something empowering about dragging out the power tools and assisting Justin while he figures it out.
Now, let me define assisting. To read the instruction booklet, answer all questions with a seemingly good answer, and hand-off various tools. Although my role is small, I absolutely enjoy it.
Date: October 16, 2010 Location: Tuscaloosa Regional Airport Tuscaloosa, AL
Saban's Seat
With the same group from last night, Justin and I went to the local airport to tour the UA plane. Although the tour was brief (we arrived late), it was fun. And I got a picture!
According to our tour guide, the pilot, Justin is sitting in Coach Saban's seat.
Date: October 15, 2010 Location: Innisfree Tuscaloosa, AL
Late Night with Friends
After our dinner at the Henderson's, we met some friends at Innisfree. Last time I featured the place, I went for happy hour. This time I was out late, with those "that used to be me" type.
Wow! I am thankful things have changed.
We had a great time. We hung out with old friends and met some interesting people.
Date: October 14, 2010 Location: Our House Tuscaloosa, AL
Sweet Green Bean Bundles
I am doing something a little different today; I want to post a recipe. I made my famous green beans for a dinner we are attending tomorrow night.
The Recipe:
3 (14.5 ounce) cans whole green beans, drained 1 pound bacon, cut in half 1/2 cup butter 1 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup water 1 teaspoon garlic salt
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 9x13 inch baking dish. 2. Lightly brown bacon; do not crisp. 3. Wrap 7 green beans with bacon and place in prepared dish. Repeat, using all the green beans and bacon. 4. In a saucepan over low heat, combine butter, water, and brown sugar. Pour over green bean bundles and sprinkle with garlic salt. 5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Date: October 13, 2010 Location: My House Tuscaloosa, AL
My Real Birthday
The day started with early morning phone calls to wish me a happy 26th birthday. At work, the girls brought me donuts from Krispy Kreme and caramel coffee from Starbucks. Throughout the day, my loyal Facebook friends kept my wall full of good wishes.
Things got better as the day progressed. At home, Justin grilled steaks (he started marinating them Tuesday morning), cooked potatoes, made a pretty salad, and baked my favorite wheat dinner rolls.
Date: October 12, 2010 Location: Memaw's House Northport, AL
Let the birthdays begin!
Justin's family loves birthdays. They also love a birthday pizza party.
We celebrated my day with his family at Memaw's with pizza, salad, and a caramel cake for dessert. And with all the cash I was gifted, I got to buy the gift I really wanted: new front porch lights.
Date: November 27, 2010 
