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 21, 2010
Location: Our House
Tuscaloosa, AL
Fortune
Don't we all wish the fortunes inside the cookies would come true, even if only once in a while?Lately I've been dreaming about Bella, Edward, and Jacob.... This is why I found this fortune to be so amusing.
Date: November 20, 2010
Location: Our House
Tuscaloosa, AL
Getting Ready
We are hosting Thanksgiving at our house. We will have only eleven guests, but that requires a lot of prep work for the house.
This is the dining room just after we set up one of the long tables. The other table was put in the kitchen to hold all the food.
I truly enjoy hosting holidays and family gatherings.
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 18, 2010
Location: Our House
Tuscaloosa, AL
Football Tickets
Tonight Justin and I met Tiffanee and Jon at Bryant Denny for the Alabama/Georgia State game.
Our tickets were compliments of BB&T. It was not necessarily an exciting game but it was good to watch Bama win.
Tonight happened to be one of the first real cold nights of the season. Burrrr. I was so cold that we left at the end of the third quarter.
Date: November 17, 2010
Location: BB&T
Tuscaloosa, AL
Foreign Currency
Working in a bank has its perks. I get to see lots of money, from all over the world (if a client wants it/brings it in to exchange).
This is Euro, and I think it's very pretty for money. I think the dollar could be more eye pleasing.
Date: November 16, 2010
Location: BB&T
Tuscaloosa, AL
New Moon
It's official: I'm hooked. The whole Twilight phenomenon baffled me at first, now I can't get enough of it. I love the books, the movies.
I am (not so) patiently waiting to finish the books and watch the last two movies. I am very glad my coworker is letting me borrow all her books!
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 10, 2010
Location: Catch 22
Tuscaloosa, AL
Engagement
This is my friend Samantha. She is showing off her new engagement ring from Stephen, her boyfriend of five years.
The two have decided on a June wedding in the Tuscaloosa area. Samantha asked me to meet her today. She asked me to be a bridesmaid! Even better, she let me pick my dress.Congrats to Stephen and Samantha!
Date: November 9, 2010
Location: Our House
Tuscaloosa, AL
Digital Upgrade
Technology is intended to make life easier. Sometimes, though, it seems that it weighs you down.Those of you in the Tuscaloosa area are familiar with the digital adapter boxes that are now required so you may "enjoy uninterrupted service."
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 7, 2010
Location: Northport Baptist Church
Northport, AL
Celebration Service
Today was both sad and sweet. Justin and I attended a service to celebrate the life of a young man who Justin has known for many years.
Although I did not really know him, I am touched by his life story. He was a passionate believer and his faith was strong.
His older brother wrote his obituary, which can be found here.
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.
That's all I've got for this one. Really.
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 31, 2010
Location: Northport Baptist Church
Northport, AL
Fall Festival
This Halloween, we worked at the Fall Festival at church. There were lots of kids; all dressed for the occasion.
This is Luke, John's grandson. We met Luke, as well as John's daughters, Amy and Lauren, for the first time tonight.
Overall, the night was pleasant. Our class manned the skee-ball game and passed out a large handful of candy to each child for participation.
Date: October 30, 2010
Location: Our House
Tuscaloosa, AL
"I like your boo jug."
The statement above is what was actually said to me, but not at all what I heard.
Think about it. What cosmetic procedure, very popular for women, sounds similar?
It caught me off guard, especially considering who it came from and the fact that I haven't had this procedure.
John, my mother-in-law's boyfriend, gave the compliment. I turned to look at him, with a baffled look on my face. He furrowed his brow.
Just then, Glenda appeared from the kitchen, and with an exaggerated clearing of her throat asked, "What did you just say?".
After we got it all cleared up, all of us shared a big laugh.
Lesson: you can't always believe what you hear.
Date: October 29, 2010
Location: Our House
Tuscaloosa, AL
Fred
For the fourth year in a row, Justin has dressed up as Fred Flintstone for Halloween. The last three years, he's worn the costume to school.The teachers and kids alike love it. This year, two of his coworkers and one of his students dressed as the whole Flintstone family (Wilma, Peebles, and Dino).
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.
You almost don't need the milk. Almost.
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.
Justin made it, and that makes me happy.
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 24, 2010
Location: Our House
Tuscaloosa, AL
One Man's Trash
Well, this is not exactly trash. Justin cleaned out his closet to give away his gently worn winter clothing to some men who need it.
I was glad to help others; I was glad to have the room in the closets and drawers.
Everyone wins.
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 20, 2010
Location: Our House
Tuscaloosa, AL
Another Food Shot
You are looking at mac-n-cheese and chicken parmigiana. This smelled absolutely delicious while cooking.As sad as it is, this was the highlight of my day.
Date: October 19, 2010
Location: Our House
Tuscaloosa, AL
Out with the old...
This the the front porch light that came with the house. I've never really liked this, but I don't haaaaate them. Nonetheless, I want new ones.
Since this is what I asked my family for as a birthday gift, I better start shopping.
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, drained1 pound bacon, cut in half1/2 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.Garsh, I am getting old.
Date: October 11, 2010
Location: My House
Tuscaloosa, AL
I owe this one to Christopher
Thanks, Columbus, for the day off work.
I literally spent the bulk of the day right here on my couch. You can see the computer and cell phone; the remote control isn't far away.
It's unlike me to sit and do nothing, but I really enjoyed it today.
Date: October 10, 2010
Location: My House
Tuscaloosa, AL
What's better than a man who helps with the chores?
Um, nothing? Today my hubby went grocery shopping for the week. I am truly thankful. Often times, the smallest things mean the most.
I got to take a night off and relax because he cooked dinner, too.
Date: November 27, 2010 
