Sleeping On It

Tonight I am going to bed mad. That is not my practice and I don't really like it. But, I don't feel like talking it out.

Hope

For the first time in my adult life, I actually have hope today for America!

Runners High

I finally achieved it—I got a runner's high today!!!!! I might start really liking this sport!

Lunch with a New Friend

This afternoon, I went to lunch with Stacy Dortch. Dined at Apollo Flame. We had yummy Greek salads and a great talk.

Tofu Bites

I am not a huge tofu eater, but since I am now a vegetarian, I am needing to try to eat it for protein. But I have a very hard time with its texture (as with a number of other foods).

Today I tried oven baked tofu bites (from Earthfare). Crunchy, but pretty tasteless. And, I don't even think they are good for you.

Personal Best—5 miles

Today I ran my personal best five (5) mile run. I wasn't trying to do this, but I was able to clear my mind and have fun (not usual for my runs). I ran it at Fletcher Park.

My First True Asheville Party

Today I went to my first "Asheville" party. Katie, a co-worker, through herself an amazing 30th birthday party. There were carnival sized inflatables, games, and crafts. Great music and food. Even a cotton candy machine. Matt and I learned how to spin the powder into actual cotton candy!

Sophie and Emma said this party was "the BEST ever...." And Sophie noted, "And Katie is an adult and still had the coolest party!

Costumes optional!

Sudoku

I actually finished not one, but two sudoku puzzles today! I always give up when I have about four squares complete. That is when my trouble begins. But I was determined to finish. My friend Karyn can do the puzzles in ink. I am sticking with pencil for a while. I think I may be hooked now.

Apple Cider Chicken

Tonight we had a meeting at A2C, where dinner was served. The entree was Apple Cider Chicken, something I have never heard of, let alone tasted. The dish consists of grilled chicken, sliced and tossed with cinnamon apples, cabbage and onions, served on a bed of linguine. Since I am currently not eating meat, I tried it sans the chicken. Very different taste. Not really ingredients I would chose to put together.

Usual Suspects

Went to the Usual Suspects for a work meeting. Never been there before and not sure I would have ever gone. Great Orange Ginger Tofu!!!!

Ridin' the Bull

I broke down. I said I'd never do it, but I did.

I drank...a Red Bull!

I have never had the desire to try one of these energy drinks, but I was dragging and had to drive from Transylvania to Spruce Pine, one meeting to the next. I was sleepy on the mountain roads, so I stopped at a gas station to get something with caffeine. I drank a whole diet Red Bull.

I don't think I will be drinking one again. It tasted like watered down cough syrup! But I did wake up, a bit.

Boy Toys

I am a genius! 

Tonight, after two years, I figured out how to program the universal remote so we no longer need to have three remotes to command the TV, satellite, and DVD. Freedom!!!

The DirecTV installation service repair man couldn't even to it!

Allu Tikke

Tonight we grabbed some Indian food after buying yet another refrigerator. I took the opportunity to try a new Indian appetizer, allu tikke. If you like samosas, you will like these potatoes patties lightly spiced with ginger sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Word Clouds

I was in a creative mood today and wanted to create a card for Matt. I found a cool web program and created this fun word cloud with the lyrics from Faith Hill's song "Breathe".

In Honor of Karen Kaatz

I took a suggestion from the list submitted by my friend Karen and went braless for a day (a work day)!  

Having pectoralis minors, I seriously don't think anyone could even tell! But, I sure was a lot more comfortable today!

Toxic Taste

Sophie had me try a new candy today, Toxic Waste. Similar to a War Head, this candy is extremely sour! My tongue went into shock. 

To Fridge or Not To Fridge

We came back from Cabo to find our fridge had burned out...not a great way to return home.

So, after work, Matt and I went and bought a new refrigerator. We were amazed that we all (girls included) agreed on one fridge (we had been fridge shopping a year ago and gave up because we all fought). We bought it, scheduled the delivery and headed home in celebration.

Then we measured! To make sure it would fit, we remeasured the cabinet and realized it was at least 6 inches too deep and would stick out into the kitchen.

Matt said he could live with it. I could not. For the first time, I didn't second guess myself and insisted we cancel our order. 

This is the first time I have ever bought something so expensive and returned it the same day. It is also the first time I listened to myself and didn't just "live with" it.

"Awesome Possum"

My life in the South is now complete! I have finally seen an ALIVE (keyword here) possum on the road! All I ever see is dead road kill, but this morning (3AM) I saw a living, breathing possum crossing the road as I served not to hit him.

I am happy to report both rodent and driver survived and are OK!

Now, I just want to see one hanging in a tree by its tail!

Gone with the Wind

Today, I embarked on a life goal I have had since I was a teen. I have always wanted to read the Southern epic Gone With The Wind. For some reason, I always find something else to read. I picked up a copy in the Cabo airport to read on the way home. Since it is over 1400 pages, I think I will be reading this novel for a while.

I have already realized I have A LOT to learn about the South!

Local Transport

Whenever we travel to foreign land, Matt and I like taking local transportation to experience the real culture. Today, we took the girls on the local autobus to downtown Cabo. The trip was long, hot, but possibly the highlight of our vacation!