No mas scandal (lots of pictures in this post...sorry!)

just about all pictures are compliments of kate altmix!

Last night was the final celebration to kick off my 25th year of life...my friends and I met at No Mas in Castleberry Hill (after finally finding a parking spot!) and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere and great food.


I'm not sure why this picture makes the restaurant look so empty because it wasn't, but you can still get an idea of the fun decor.


Since it was the golden birthday, a few people decided to dress festively...here's Brian's contribution. Brian is Mandy's husband and is a police officer in College Park, so when you say "gold", this is what he comes up with! Sadly, Mandy wouldn't let him wear it out in public! Luckily, I had the camera nearby...


Erin was the organizer of the evening!


Okay, here's where the scandal begins...as with any Mexican restaurant, the ol' sombrero came out along with yummy yummy sopapia. After everyone sang Happy Birthday, I took the hat off and placed it on the back of my chair because it was quite cumbersome (and did not match in any way!)


Later, when we were getting a group shot, I went to grab the sombrero and found it missing! Surely the server didn't take it away so soon...


As I was looking through the pictures from the evening, I came across this one...notice how the hat is floating and if you look reallyclosely at the top left corner of the picture, you'll notice a couple of fingers GANKING MY SOMBRERO! You might be thinking, "Calm down, it's just the server taking it back because you didn't want to wear it!" But you are incorrect...


Pay close attention to this picture:


The guy at the table behind us just took it!! Did not ask permission. Did not inform. Just took it. How rude! At the time, we were a little shocked, but it wasn't that big of a deal...I wouldn't have even mentioned it, but the fact that we somehow have it documented thanks to Kate's picture taking, I had to let you know because that's just hilarious that she happened to catch a picture of him stealing it. Unbelievable.

After dinner, Mandy, Brian and I headed to Krispie Kreme...yum! And I finally got a close up of my special birthday ribbon pin handcrafted by THE Kate Altmix...so special :)

Say what you need to say.

I have always been a fan of John Mayer...love the music, love his wit and charm. He has mastered the art of being cool and doing so in such a seemingly unrehearsed way. But his latest blog post exposed the reality of who he is and has given me a brand new reason to put him back on the top of my list...I tried for a while to categorize him as a "sell out" because that was the cool thing to do, and maybe he is, but what does that mean anyway? I still love his music and the latest single (Say) has been at the top of my Recently Played list since I got the free video download promoting "The Bucket List" on iTunes a few months ago...it's almost as if the lyrics of his own song inspired such an honest post. Thanks John!

"Say"
Take all of your wasted honor
Ever little past frustration
Take all of your so-called problems
Better put 'em in quotations

Say what you need to say...

Walkin' like a one-man army
Fightin' with the shadows in your head
Livin' up the same old moment
Knowin' you'd be better off instead if you could only...

Say what you need to say...

Have no fear for giving in
Have no fear for giving over
You'd better know that in the end
It's better to say too much, than never to say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking
And your faith is broken
Even as the eyes are closing
Do it with your heart wide open

Say what you need to say...

hi jackie, good morning!

this picture will only make sense if you've seen this video:




matt's nephew (pictured above) is a natural entertainer....not to mention a super cutie. so, natch, we had to teach him the fine art of 'playing debra'. i logged onto facebook the other night to see that picture in angela's recently added pictures...priceless.

a new year::a new look

Today was a GREAT birthday...it reminded me of how much I love them! The whole day had that same magical feeling I described on St. Patrick's Day....I don't feel any older or anything, but I am quite sure my vision is not as sharp as it was yesterday. You probably think I'm kidding...

So, I had an appointment scheduled to get my hair cut today and I was unsure of what I wanted to do. I wasn't ready to go short, but I did want a new look which annoyed the girl who cut my hair because I was contradicting everything I said. But I really just wanted her to do whatever she thought best!

Since I promised to be better about blogging and pictures help inspire me to blog, I've been keeping my camera with me to snap some quick shots. These were taken in the smock closet at the salon and I'm sorry they're blurry, but I was in a rush and didn't want to use my flash (to spare myself the embarrassment that took place when I got my facial!)

This is, obviously, the before picture...I can't believe how long it was!

Ta-Da! Actually a lot shorter than I was picturing, but I don't hate it. She thinned it out a ton which I'm sure will really throw me off when I go to wash it tomorrow.


And here's the front. She didn't really do anything at all to style it which is really good news. We'll see how much I like it tomorrow!

22, 23, 24...

I was hoping to round up more pictures from past birthdays, but seeing as I have lost everything (pictures, music, documents...) twice now, I was lucky to gather as much as I did. It was fun searching for these and some may be of pretty poor quality because I had to go digging in facebook, but you get the idea.

Looking through these pictures reminded me of the incredible friends I have...most of which I have celebrated every birthday with (and will be celebrating with on Friday) consistently for the past 4 years!

Here we are, 2005...turning 22. Ate at Twist and finished at The Cheesecake Factory where Mandy and Shan met us for dessert!



Next, 2006...turning 23. We started at a sleek restaurant in Midtown (no one can remember the name...Jamie and I were trying to this weekend) and ended at Twisted Taco where we got wasted and sang karaoke. (Okay, there was actually no alcohol involved, but I like to tell myself that's what possessed me to pull a guy on stage to sing karaoke with me...) (pics complements of suz's facebook)



Finally, 2007...turning 24!! Matt and I headed to Disneyland...my most favorite place on earth! It was the start of our Disney obsession as a couple (the Disney bug bit me about 15 years prior...) and an evening of true bliss! I remember I had been sick all day and said I didn't want to do anything to celebrate. I just wanted to lay on the couch and Matt would not tolerate that, so he stuck me in the car and we ended up having the greatest time! Disney is SO magical that if you're feeling sick, it immediately goes away when you step foot in the park. I got a button that said "It's My Birthday" to wear and felt so special. Oh, and they gave Matt a Pirate button...he was such a good sport and actually wore it!



Pictures from 25 will be coming soon. Also, a reflection of sorts...25 is a big year! And it's my "golden" birthday.

Auf Wiedersehen.

What seemed like such a long trip quickly came to an ending today...Jamie and I spent Easter Sunday at Redeemer Presbyterian which is home of the well known pastor, Tim Keller. I had never heard him before and today he only spoke for 15 minutes which was a bit disappointing...but still a great sermon and some new insight into Jesus' resurrection.

We finished off my visit with a great brunch in Jamie's neighborhood and enjoyed some interesting conversation...not with each other (since we had exhausted every topic we could have possibly covered in 5 days), but eavesdropping on the couple sitting next to us. The woman was American and the man was Norwegian and, from what we gathered, they live part of the year in NYC and the other part in Australia. What a crazy, fun life! Jamie and I took note of the way they interacted because it was sadly unusual for married couples you normally see out at restaurants...they were laughing, sharing stories and truly enjoying the company of one another. I was reminded of how vital friendship is in relationships! Okay, back on track...Jamie and I got back to her apartment and killed a couple of hours before I had to catch a taxi to the airport. She taught me a ton about fixing up this blog, so you can thank her for the new look!

So now I am back in Atlanta and although it was a lot of work to get these posts in everyday on my trip, I am really glad I did it. Spring Break 2008 is officially over...very sad to say goodbye, but what a treat!

Since my camera batteries were giving me such a headache this week, this is one of the few pictures Jamie and I even have together. We attempted to get some after lunch, but didn't have much luck. This is, of course, the best one. Miss you already, friend!

A new look.

Jamie taught me a lot. Enjoy the new look!

Dangerous adventures in Chinatown.

Jamie and I are thinking of going into film making...

Short on Words

It's late, so I will sum up yesterday and today in a few short words and pictures...

Friday.
Emily! Lunch at Westville. Magnolia Bakery. Cupcakes on a red stoop. New stories. Old stories. Expensive boutiques. Brooklyn. Back with Jamie. Dinner at El Centro. Spring Awakening! Amazing! Dylan's Candy Bar. Serendipity. Clumsy Jamie. Bus home. Warm bed...no alarm.





Saturday.
Slept late. Brunch at Penelope. Long wait. Worth it. SOHO. Window shopping. Chinatown. Shady shop. D&G! Rice pudding. No thanks. Staten Island Ferry. Breathtaking view! Statue of Liberty. Shared an iPod. Dinner at Bianca. Yummy gnocchi. Cold and tired. Subway home. Bright idea. Make a movie! Two hours later. Happy Easter.

not.a.tourist.

Jamie was sweet enough to equip me with this book to help me navigate the city on my own since this is my first time...it's a sharp looking book that lists all the essentials and landmarks (as well as hardware stores, copy stores, bagel shops) It helped a lot because I only got lost a few times compared to the perpetual state of "lost" I would have been in without it.

I hopped "On the 6" like J-Lo (excuse me, Jennifer Lopez) and headed downtown. Well, eventually headed downtown after I first started heading uptown, realized my mistake (luckily before getting on the train), and had to hear it from the exasperated subway worker that I had to wait 18 minutes to swipe my card again. I told him it was my very first time on the subway and he reset my card for me...very nice of him.

Which brings me to my next topic...I have found people in New York to be very friendly! I don't know what all the hype is about regarding rude New Yorkers. In a hurry, yes, but I haven't really come across any mean people. Cottonelle has a new ad campaign to help explain put to rest the stereotype:



So I spent the day exploring...in and out of shops, a great place for lunch (April Ciervo, you would have loved it) and taking in the city. I have concluded that I could never live here, but I could visit often! I was a little nervous that I was going to want to turn my life upside down and move up here, but so far I still have my head on straight. It's definitely not for everyone.

When Cal got off work, I headed to his apartment and we caught up while waiting for Jamie to get there. It was great to see him and to hear his thoughts living in New York. Dinner was great...it was refreshing to be with old friends and to notice how much we have all matured over the past couple of years (and the many ways we haven't!)



Now it's time for Round 2...and today I'm conquering 5th avenue and Columbus Circle!

Anything can happen if you let it.

New York City...center of the universe. I am SO excited to be here...I hopped off the plane (which landed right on time and I hear that's rare around here) hopped in a taxi and headed to Jamie's work to drop off my stuff...I had to hurry because I didn't want to be late for Mary Poppins!! What an AMAZING show. Seriously, I loved it. Aside from the bratty kids whose parents had no control over them and should have never spent $60 to take their kids to see a Broadway show, it was "practically perfect in every way". I took a quick, really jumpy, make you sick kind of video because I think I want some video documentation of this trip...hopefully they will get better:

After the show, Jamie picked me up in a cab so we could head to an event at her church...we still had all of my luggage to tote around which is why we justified the cab, but starting today, it's the subway or pavement for us! It was great to see Gallery Church and meet some of the people I hear Jamie talk about. I even ran into a friend of a friend!

We got back to Jamie's really late...it's ABSOLUTELY adorable. I'll take some pictures at some point, but I think most of you have already visited her who read this blog :) Ate at a really cute diner called Vinyl on her block and had great conversation until our eyes were barely open any longer....my favorite kind!

Alright, heading out to see Central Park for the first time!

Hot Mess...

For as much as we pay for plane tickets, one would think Hartsfield would have the resources to run the air conditioner. I think Atlanta (and the rest of the world for that matter) would gladly go without one more designer handbag kiosk or luxury watch and jewelry store if that meant we could get to our gates without needing a floatation device just to get through the pools of sweat. I did not wake up at 5:00 this morning to shower, apply makeup and spend 20 minutes drying/10 minutes curling my hair attempting to prepare myself to hit the ground running at 12:00 when I land in NYC just to have to start the process all over again when I board the plane. I definitely put a new visual to the phrase “hot mess”….the mess was not only my dripping body and drenched hair, but also my attempt to pack in a carry-on only. I thought I would prance around the airport with my head held high, proud of my latest accomplishment. Rather, I felt quite the opposite…I’ll get to that in a bit.
The heat flash (as I have now labeled it) began on my walk from the SOUTH terminal Economy parking lot row 64D to the NORTH terminal check-in at American Airlines (the furthest counter away from baggage claim where I entered, naturally). My step-dad is flying in from Germany tomorrow, so I just drove myself to the airport this morning so he could have a car when he returns and of course he’s flying Delta and Delta is one of only 3 airlines at the South terminal while all 9,837 airlines are at the North…

…so I get checked in without any human interaction since I’m not checking a bag noting the first perk of carry-on traveling. It’s not that I don’t like people, it’s just that I didn’t miss the judgment of the two 49.9 pound suitcases that are usually accompanying me. I print my boarding pass roll my eyes when I see gate “T-12”. Frequent flyers out of Hartsfield know that Concourse T is the very last in the terminal…A B C D E….T. I never really understood why they couldn’t just put F, but that’s not important right now. I did notice a small security checkpoint located right next to American Airlines as I was leaving the ticketing counter, but since I usually associate Concourse T with international flights, I just assumed that’s what it was for and made my way back down past all the other 9,836 airline counters to security (this will be important later) After flashing my AirTran A+ Rewards membership card like it’s some special membership I pay for and entering the first class line (seriously, try it next time), I was about 30 minutes ahead of where I would have been otherwise which made me privileged yet again…until I got to the checkpoint stand.

First, I was unable to execute my usually flawless maneuvering play through the security line because I was bogged down with two heavy bags, purse, jacket and was definitely getting the look from people around me…I wanted to stand on top of the conveyor belt and yell, “This is all I’m taking! I didn’t check a bag!” But instead, I was ‘that girl’ who appeared to pack entirely too much for a trip and I was holding up the line trying to get everything onto the belt. Not to mention I had to wear the most cumbersome boots because they were too bulky to pack in my suitcase. I get through and reorganize my belongings so I can head to the tram and discover that Concourse T is actually where I’m standing! I don’t even have to get on the train and I breathe a not so silent, “Thank you, Jesus!” and head up the next escalator. This is where I discover the optional security line coming from the American Airlines counter where I was JUST standing about 30 minutes prior…I had made such a trek only to get right back to the place were I began and I was NOT okay with that situation. I made a mental note that had I checked a bag, I would have spoken with an employee at check-in and he or she would have gladly directed me to the closest security checkpoint.

I finally get to the gate and begin to cool down. As soon as they announce boarding for first class and other elite members, I jumped up because I wanted to be first in line when they begin boarding us lowly patrons…I know getting my suitcase into that overhead compartment is going to be no easy task and I wanted to spare myself the looks.
Sure enough, for the first time in all of my traveling history, I am the first person on the airplane (not counting first class) and I head straight back to seat 27F and begin the process of getting my bag to fit. Anyone with eyes could tell the bag was entirely too big to fit, but that did not stop me from trying. I thought this was supposed to be easy! This is the bag in my set of luggage that is made for fitting in the overhead compartment! Even if I did unzip the part that makes it wider and stuffed four pairs of shoes in the outside compartment…I feel cheated! Finally a flight attendant comes by, states the obvious then asks if there is anything I can take out of the front pocket. So after I unload the shoes and still have a hard time stuffing the bag up there, I find my seat and stand back up only to turn on every air vent in the surrounding 8 seats and to document this of course:



I didn’t mean for this to turn into such a long post…it’s been a really great morning overall because sweet Mandy met me for breakfast before heading the airport and I get to see Jamie in just a couple of hours! I just wanted documentation for the next time I consider doing something that is out of character for me…

I am reinventing myself...

...the new me is going to be a sensible packer. Phase one begins with tomorrow's trip to New York. I have NEVER packed in such a small amount of luggage for a trip, but I have been wanting to get better about it and I set out to accomplish just that tonight...



SUCCESS!! Do you realize how huge this is?! Granted, the suitcase is barely able to zip and I'm not too confident it will fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of me, but it zips! The blue bag holds my computer, cosmetics and a tiny bit of school work (just so you know I'm not cutting corners). This is the beginning of a new me...for years I have been so frustrated by my inability to pack only the things I need rather than anything I might possibly need for every weather condition and social opportunity. Plus, this just gives me more freedom to purchase a bag to check on the way back to Atlanta--full of New York goodies I might happen upon during my afternoon explorations, of course! Goodness, have I learned nothing?

Here's more proof in case you doubted my authenticity...notice I almost forgot pajamas! That would have been awkward for Jamie...



Oh, and I just wanted to give you a glimpse of my notes so you can see how packed out the trip is going to be...and I haven't even talked to Jamie about plans yet!

going green.

i love holidays. doesn't matter the occasion and and st. patrick's day is no exception! although i do nothing to acknowledge or celebrate the day besides wearing green, there is always something magic in the air. funny how this indistinguisable magic really only applies to holidays that require some sort of wardrobe participation or scrumptious feast to celebrate the day...i mean, i don't wake up to excitement and anticipation on labor or memorial day. a bit ironic considering i am american, not irish...

just wanted to document my involvement in the day. i am not attempting to be seductive in the first picture...just trying to show you that i am also chewing green gum!




and no, i did not purchase these shoes specifically for st. patrick's day...but even if i did, i wouldn't apologize for it.



oh...probably the biggest reason for such a celebratory day was my 4:00 appointment for a facial! i am obviously excited and was definitely embarassed when the lady walked in on me taking a self-portrait. how do you explain 'blogging' to someone who barely speaks english?



but i do have to give a shout out to kim's day spa in buckhead. i would link you to their website, but it is very uninformative and none of the links work on it, so it would be a waste of your time. i received a facial gift certificate for valentine's day from my boss and went to redeem it today...it is no spa sydell, but that's what made me love it. i went in with a certificate for a $70 treatment and she ended up giving me the $115 microdermabrasion for no extra charge...mostly because my skin was that bad, but also because she wanted me to tell my friends about her place. so, i'm telling all four of you...kim's day spa. check it out.

what tornados?

i spent all weekend outside and had it not been for the news (or the tornado sirens, hail and torrential downpour in peachtree city) i would have been completely oblivious to the weather in atlanta. i will be driving through town this afternoon and i'm a little uneasy at the thought of seeing some of the city's icons in disarray...

that being said, saturday was a fun day at southside church...we had a kidventure american gladiators event and i had a blast hanging out with my 4th and 5th grade girls. i've been their small group leader since december and this is really the first bonding time we've had together. pictured below is a shot of the cuties...before the storm came through, of course!



sunday was one of those days where i was completely exhausted from the week and wanted so badly to stay cozied up in the bed all afternoon...i even tried to talk myself into feeling sick so i could have an excuse, but i just couldn't do it! i grabbed the keys to the convertible and went cruising with mike and zach. thanks to dj mike, we were cruising to the sweet tunes of miley cyrus (ridiculous). zach and i enjoyed a DQ arctic blast which are quickly becoming a staple for warm, sunny days. here are mike and i at my brother's lacrosse game cheesing it up...pretty typical.



oh, and i've made a non-committal commitment to blog everyday this week...i'm taking my camera with me everywhere so i can add visuals. shouldn't be too hard, though because i'll be in new york on wednesday!!