An education in vacation

Well, it's that time of year again. What time is that, you ask? Time for a summer vacation in Ohio. Scott came up to Memphis on Friday (which was a long-anticipated visit since we haven't seen each other in a MONTH!). I was definitely excited to see him, but unfortunately had to finish work and then take an exam before I could go out and play. So, being the understanding boyfriend that he is, Scott offered to go to a baseball game so I could stay home and study. Looks like he had a good time...

After I finished my exam, we went out to dinner with the Devines at Fresh Slices. Always a good time with those crazy kids. Scott managed to lose a $5 bet to our waiter about a menu item, but being the nice guy that he is, he paid up and still left a tip. Me, I'd probably have handed the waiter the $5 and some change for a tip. Lesson #1: Don't wager against the waiter.

We headed up to Ohio Saturday morning, and all in all it was an enjoyable drive. I read a chapter of A&P, and Scott managed the "driving" part of things. Brady just held the fort down in the back. Although she did try desperatley to get a bit of Scott's breakfast. I'm getting pretty used to this "Driving Miss Daisy" style ride. I'd have to say Lesson #2 is to always let someone else drive so you can take in the scenery, or read a book.

I learned Lesson #3 Sunday morning. My dad agreed to go for a walk with Scott and me at Virginia Kendall -- a great park with a lake and all kinds of hills. Brady had a fantastic time chasing barn swallows. So here's where the lesson comes into play: there's no way that dog was going to catch a barn swallow. But boy, she sure did try and she had a fantastic time at it. So, Lesson #3: Put your heart into everything you do full throttle, cause it can be a lot of fun.

I learned #4 from Brady. Simple, I know, but sometimes overlooked: A nap in the sun is a great way to pass the time.

More vacation lessons to come... and maybe I'll even go back to Virginia Kendall and get a video of Brady chasing the birds...

I'm naked Mom!

I'm becoming a cheapskate in my old age. So, today I took Brady to a new place to get her hairs did - excited that it was $15 less than the regular PetCo cut. It's hot in the south during the summer, so when they said "is this for a summer cut?" I responded in the affirmative. Now I'm not so sure that was the best idea.

I'll say that I had serious reservations when I dropped Brady off, because #1, the puppy salon was on Lamar (for those of you that know Memphis, that's a little sketchy to start), there was hair everywhere, it was dirty, and it smelled as though something might have died there; and #2, the man working behind the counter bore a strong resemblance to Lil Wayne.

In any case, I was nervous all morning, wondering if I'd get my whole dog back when I picked her up (and wouldn't I feel guilty forever if she sacrificed a tail or toe just so I could save a measly $15). So, at 12:30, I nervously walked into the salon to get my dog. I was pleasantly surprised to find she was in one piece, and her hair doesn't look half bad! Although I think she's stylin' with her new summer 'do, Brady doesn't agree. She tucked her tail on the way into the house as though embarrassed to be caught naked out in the neighborhood.

The real test will come later today when we head to the dog park. We'll see how this shorter style does in the hot weather, and maybe it'll even let us prolong our game of fetch, so I can avoid going home and doing homework.

Our lesson today is that you shouldn't judge someone based on their appearance - whether they're a rapper-turned-dog-groomer or just a little puppy sporting a buzz cut. I suppose this supports my (naive) belief that people are inherently good.

(Scott, please note that Brady is now wearing Bama-colored ribbons in her hair. I hope you're proud.)

Who names a baby "Carlos?"

Today was a light day at the office, so I asked Ashley and Tyler to join me for a Mexican fiesta lunch. Since Ty was just getting up from his nap, Ash agreed. Tyler was in a great mood - all smiles and squirminess wanting to play.

I know I need to keep packing for the move to Louisiana, but on days like today I get really sad thinking about the people I'll be leaving behind. I am sure I'll be back to visit, but it makes me sad to think that I won't be here for random lunch dates with Ash and Ty, or dinners with the Verks, or having a couple drinks with Katie.

Opening a new chapter in life is exciting, but scary at the same time. It's hard to imagine where I'll be in a year, and how my friends and family will change in that time as well. Enough of my nostalgic ramblings... onward!

Pet-Free Conspiracy

I'm already half-finished with packing for the big move to Baton Rouge, and still I have no place to go. I've been watching Craigslist, checking on different apartment options in Red Stick, and it appears that no one is interested in tenants with pets. Now, don't get me wrong. I know there are some pets that destroy property and are just obnoxious. BUT my doggie is super-sweet, house-broken, and doesn't damage furniture. I almost wish that landlords would conduct doggie interviews, because I just know Brady wouldn't be a problem.

However, given the current options, it looks like Brady and I will have to live in the CR-V. So if you come across this blog, and you haven't fallen asleep by the time that you reach this post, and if you know someone that's renting a place in Baton Rouge, please let me know :-)

In the meantime, I'll continue clicking through Craigslist.

These are a few of my favorite things

As I start the process of packing my life into cardboard boxes, preparing to move 400 miles away from the place I've called home for 6 years, I'm becoming ridiculously nostalgic. So, since I have nothing more important to impart in this blog, I'd like to take a few minutes to pay respect to my favorite things about Memphis.

1) Midtown. I love the character, the layout, the hustle and bustle, the funky original restaurants, and mostly, the people. I've met great neighbors, and so many people that embrace diversity. It will be hard to pull away from my street for the last time.

2) 5-minute magic. Whether its fresh produce from Easy Way, a glass of wine with a friend, or a random used book, I can find it within 5 minutes of my house. Which is great for me because I am one of the least patient people I know.

3) Overton Park. There's nothing I enjoy more than a trip to Overton Park with my dog on a spring day. She loves to swim in the pond, I love the scenery, and we both enjoy a few hours of fetch with the other dogs in the park. Only one problem -- the crazy ice cream truck that always says "hello!" That's just creepy.

4) My family and friends. I've met some awesome friends, and I've loved spending time with my cousins, aunt and uncle.

5) BBQ-Fest. The world championship barbeque cooking festival. Need I say more?

For anyone that hasn't made it to Memphis yet, it's definitely worth a visit. Or, like me, a 6-year stop on the road of life.

Don't judge my blog - I'm still learning!

I am not quite sure why I'm creating a blog, or what I could possibly say that people might find interesting enough to read. But since I'm starting a few other adventures at the tender age of 28, I suppose now is a good time to try blogging as well...

A few vital (read: random) facts:
- I love Lake Erie during the summer. There's nothing better than watching the sun set from a boat on the lake, sipping on a nice cold beer.
- I'm a graduate of Ohio University (go BOBCATS!) and I still think Athens, OH is one of the greatest towns on earth.
- I've spent the last six years working in the advertising industry in Memphis, TN. Also a great town, but not quite of Athens caliber.
- I treat my dog like she's a person. Because really, she is. She's just super-hairy. Look how cute!



- I'm taking an uncharacteristically large leap by quitting my job, moving to Baton Rouge, and starting school to become a nurse. I guess this blog can just tell you all the cool things I learn in school. Or maybe I'll eventually come up with something better to talk about.

Until then, have a great day and I hope you enjoyed my first-ever blog post!