Sunday, November 28, 2010

Day 138

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.

Day 137

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.

Day 136

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!

Day 135

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.

Day 134

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.

Day 133

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.


Day 132

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.

Day 131

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.

Day 130

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!

Day 129

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."

Day 128

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).

Day 127

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.


Day 126

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.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Day 125

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.

Day 124

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.



Day 123

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.

Day 122

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.

Day 121

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.

Day 120

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.

Day 119

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.

Day 118

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).

Day 117

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.

Day 116

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.

Day 115

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.

Day 114

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.