Happy Father's Day - June 20

Happy Fathers Day Carlie! Carl has been apart of our family for over 20 years now. Wow - time passes by quickly! I still miss my dad being around, but I'm very lucky that he came into our lives. He has given me lots of support over the years - through good times and bad. I love you Carlie pants :-)

Grown Ups - June 19

Wanda & Sam had a cookout for Amber's graduation party tonight. It was great because I got to see pretty much all my family members. But, I also got to see some faces I had not seen a quite a while. This is Kevin and his little boy. The first time I met Kevin he was about 8 years old. I cannot believe he is old enough to have a little one of his own of the same age (almost).

Formal Attire - June 18

No, I'm not a crazy cat lady and I did not buy these things for my cats. Somebody else bought them for her cats and loaned them to me. So, I had to put them on the boys and see how they look. Aren't they just adorable? Mac is saying "OK Mom, take the picture so I can take this silly thing off my neck" and JJ is saying "All the other kitties are going to be laughing at me Mom".

Graduation - June 17

My niece Amber graduated from college today. She not only graduated, but did while battling Ulcerative Colitis. While we are all very happy & proud of her, we are happiest that they just declared her to be in remission. Now, all she has to do is pass her registry test and then start looking for a job. Congrats Amber!

Annoying Neighbors - June 16

When you go to ball games or anything else that requires a reserved seat, you are at the mercy of the ticket gods on who is seated next to you. Sometimes they are really cool hot guys (which almost never happens) or it could be the really annoying person. They could be annoying because they take up some of "your" space, rooting for the other team or a million other possibilities. Poor Phyllis, she had the annoying neighbor that was "hoping" to strike up a conversation with her with the occasion look. I think he had taken a fancy to her myself. But, in the end she did a pretty good job of avoiding the awkward conversation.

U.S. Flag - June 15

Yesterday was Flag Day and I admittedly did not own a flag. So, I went out and purchased this small version. I think regardless if its the official size, it still has the same meaning.

HotLanta - June 14

Now this is the real Hotlanta. Not that crazy 20-30 degree weather we had this past winter. The crazy thing is that this picture was taken around 630pm. Now, granted it might be a little exaggerated, but regardless it was HOT. Not to mention it is only June 14. Don't they say the dog days of summer are in August?

Little Kitties - June 13

After hearing about new kitties for months & months, Phyllis finally became a crazy cat lady a few weeks ago. Aren't these little guys just precious! The little black one is Jasper (or Jas - puuuuuurrrr) and the little grey one is Jetty (after the park we camped at for the shuttle launch).

Another 40th - June 12

Another 40th birthday! I actually learned something new at this party. When you get a cake with your name on it, you are suppose to smear your name for good luck before cutting the cake.

Collecting Miles - June 11

Whenever you go out with a group in Atlanta, it seems like majority of the cards that come out during bill time are Delta AMEX cards. We are all looking for ways to collect more miles. More miles = more travel!

BTW, numbers have been blocked out to protect our privacy! So, no trying to blow it up and steal the numbers :-)

Nick's To Go - June 10

On a recent PBS special, this was noted as one of the best Greek places in town. It is even the favorite of Keith Rathbun. We originally planned to go on Thursday, because this is the only day the Greek lasagna is served. But, someone chickened out! So, if I didn't write about this place or you didn't see it on the PBS special, would you go into it? The answer unfortunately is probably not. Sad that some of life's best treasures are hidden in places that we might not ever step foot into.

Nick's To Go was everything it was suppose to be for lunch (or for dinner). I had the Souvaki and it was yummy! Nick is a little gruff of a man. People from our generation would compare him to the "Soup Nazi". While he wasn't that bad, I will say he was a little mean. For a short while, I thought my order had been picked up by someone else. I definitely was NOT going to ask him where my food might be, so I was figuring I'd have to go back to work hungry. Yes, I would have left without food before asking for it.

The funniest part were the regulars who told us Nick likes to be cussed. So, next time we are going to give it a try. Stay tuned!

The Fan - June 9

You got it - the same next door cubicle. Monday it was the juice box, Tuesday it was cups and today it is the fan. You brings a fan like this to work? Notice the cups are still sitting there!

Cups, Cups, Cups - June 8

Yesterday it was the tiniest little juice box. Today, I walk by "the cube" and there sits all these styrofoam cups. This just touches the iceberg, there were a few more sitting on the other side of his desk. My not just get a plastic (or glass) reusable cup and refill it, rather than using all these non-biodegradable cups?

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Juice Box - June 7

Last week, I got a new cubicle neighbor although I could not tell you one thing about him. After 2 weeks, I don't think I've heard him speak more than 5 words (and not at a time, but total). He's appears to be an "interesting" little guy. After coming back from lunch, Philip and I saw the tiniest little juice box sitting on his desk. So, Philip picked it up and I snapped a picture. In case you can't see it well, its only about 2 inches high (maybe a little more).

A gift from my Granny - June 6

Today I was outside and noticed my canna blooming. This is not just some ordinary canna. My granny had cannas in her yard at the old place. At some point, she split them and gave some to my mom, who then split them and gave one to John. I think you can figure out the rest. John planted this one for me about 4 years ago. It's finally starting to bloom and now has 3 cannas coming up!

Happy 29th - June 5

Phyllis turned 29 (again) today so we celebrated with dinner at Leon's and then moved onto another fave in the Brickstore. Happy Birthday Phyllis!

Happy Hour Again - June 4

Working downtown is perfect for Friday night happy hours. Tonight, Phyllis and I found a perfect happy hour spot in TAP. What I love about this place is the diverse range of drinks. My favorite being Radlers!

Late Night - June 3

Working on a project at work, I left late tonight. I was a little worried the garage might be locked, but I was able to get out without a hitch. Looking forward to a weekend!

First Place - June 2

After getting off to a terrible start, the Braves have finally kicked it into high gear. They have won 8 in a row, swept the Phillies and now have a 2 game lead over the 2nd place Phillies. Go Braves!

Tomatoes - June 1

My garden was officially planted about a month ago and already I have a few tomatoes and peppers growing. I cannot wait to have some home grown tomato sandwiches and BLT's!

Happy Memorial Day - May 31

I am very thankful for all the soldiers and their families sacrificing themselves for the benefit of our country. Today, I'm thinking mostly about Robbie and how he is my hero.

Freedom Weekend Aloft - May 30

Well, we didn't exactly get to see the hot air balloons take off, but it was fun watching the dogs do their frisbee tricks. Later, we would see 2 lone balloons to tethered launches which means they got about 50 feet off the ground - WHOO HOO!

A Legend - May 29

As a kid, I remember many evenings watching a Braves game and listening to Skip, Pete and Ernie go through another Braves loss. Then in the 90's it was listening to them with great excitement call the Braves incredible worst to first division title in 91 and then eventually the World Series championship in 1995. So, when I heard Pete had written a book about his experiences in the broadcast booth, I knew I would have to read it. Then, I heard he was going to be signing his new book at the Clubhouse Store Saturday night and I (again) knew I had to get one that night.

Happy Hour - May 28

Happy Hour on the front end of a 3 day weekend. What could be better? Well, it started out a nice sunny day out on the patio and it ended inside the closed garage doors with the afternoon thunderstorm. Regardless, it was a great way to kick off a holiday weekend.

Toy Car - May 27

I see some of the craziest things on my way to work. Did this get my attention? Of course it did! I'm sad to say though, i didn't check out their website.

Access - May 26

Today I became an expert on Microsoft Access thank to John. Want to know how to do a simple query or even a cross table query? Just ask. Well, expert might be stretching it a little, but I definitely know more than I did yesterday. Thanks John for helping me finish something in a few hours with what would have been at least a several day project.

Recycle or LItter? - May 25

So, on my way to work I see this "Recycle" truck with papers hanging out the back - just hanging on at an attempt to not become litter.

Little Bunny Rabbit - May 24

This little bunny rabbit was running around my yard when I came home tonight. I know its a dark picture, but isn't he cute!

Lost Finale - May 23

Tonight we said goodbye to a friend of 6 years. Gone are all the Wednesday conversations about what we thought was going to happen next. We finally know who made it off the island and what that sideways was all about. Kudos to LOST for going out on a very high note. Many have asked, "Did you like the ending?". My answer is "yes". I thought it was a great ending to very interesting 6 years.

More House Work - May 22

Still working on getting that house ready to sell. Today painters came and completely fixed up my stairs and hallway. Now, the crappy job I did of re-touching it have all been erased.

Date Night - May 21

You probably thought by the title that I actually had a date tonight. Wishful thinking, but no it was the chick flick I saw tonight. It was, but yet wasn't your typical chick flick. First, the couple is already married. Second, I will say that it was probably one of the funnier chick flicks I've seen (recently at least). I give it 2 thumbs up and recommend at least renting it.

Address - May 20

You guessed it, this is Robbie's address during his deployment. The really nice thing is that it is a U.S. zip code, so we don't have to worry about overseas shipping for all of those care packages!

Smartcar - May 19

First, I did not take this picture while driving! I was sitting still at the 400/I-85 merge. What can I say about these cars? They are cute, small (duh), but aren't they a little small for the traffic and large vehicles here? I get why people want to drive them because of their gas mileage, but I would be a little afraid too. Someone I know wants to ride in one, so if you know anyone with one, please let me know.

I love being downtown - May 18

At some point, I'll get tired of taking pictures of the downtown area. But, I'm still in that newness phase and still loving being downtown. I haven't quite figured out my working out schedule, so its nice to get out and walk during lunch time.

Tornado 2008 - May 17

In March 2008, a tornado swept through the Atlanta downtown area blowing out windows in many buildings. After 2 years, the windows at the Westin are finally being replaced.

Bye Robbie - May 16

On May 20, Robbie will be deployed to Afghanistan for 7 months. Our family is all dealing with lots of emotions, but Robbie most of all. I think in a way he is looking forward to going and putting to use all of his training over the past 18 months, but I know that war is not fun and definitely not glamorous. Also, I know he is going to miss his family. Robbie - we love you so much and we are equally as proud of you (& you too Charlie). I'm just glad that Rob & Charlie have each other. I have a little more peace knowing they are there taking care of each other. All I can do is pray for him everyday until he comes home.

Beach Bums - May 15

What's better than a day at the beach? Probably not many things. One day after STS-132 launched into space, the crew spent the day at the beach enjoying the sun, sand and the "famous" El Jimador's. Did you know that El Jimador is supposedly the best tequila in Mexico? Well, I seriously doubt it is better than Patron, but for an easy margarita on the beach, they are pretty good.

#32 See the Space Shuttle launch - May 14

STS-132 launched at 2:20EST without a hitch this time. For the first few hours before launch, we thought there might have been issues with the emergency landing sites and some crosswinds in Florida. But, as 2:20EST approached, the winds calmed and possible problems with the landing sites cleared. (Just for clarification, there are 3 emergency landing spots - France, Houston and California. One of the 3 must be cleared for emergency landing at the time of launch). Watching from Jetty Park on Cape Canaveral, STS-132 Atlantis launched into the southern sky. Godspeed Atlantis!

Air JJ - May 13

Have you ever seen a person or animal that can jump 2-3x their body length. Well, if JJ were a human I'm sure he'd be a pretty good basketball player!

My new work home - May 12

Its not exactly one of the noteworthy buildings daunting the Atlanta skyline, but the American Cancer Society building is where I now call home between Monday & Friday during working hours.

Centennial Olympic Park - May 11

One of the things I love about my new work location is that I can walk to lunch. On nice weather days, I can go to COP and enjoy a nice quiet lunch. Someday I'm going to find that brick!

$110 Water Bill - May 10

My water bill has gradually been going up this year. For the last 8 years, it has been ranging between $35-$45 every 2 months. In January it went up to $68, March $89 and now this month it was $110! How can one person use this much water? I have tested for leaks - none. Now, I've been calling the Fulton County Water Department only to get absolutely no help from them (no surprise). So, I'm resorting to reading my own meter every day in hopes of resolving this issue.

Happy Mothers Day - May 9

No surprise, I spent the day with my mom celebrating Mother's Day. It was a bittersweet today, because today would have been my sweet Charlie dog's 14th birthday. I still miss him everyday!
But, I got a nice surprise card in the mail -Happy Mother's Day Godmother! What a sweet surprise from a sweet little girl :-).

Susan G. Komen 5K - May 8

Last night, after my first week back at work, this was the last thing that I wanted to do at 7am on a Saturday morning. But, it was so much fun and I can't wait to do it again next year! Thanks to everyone who helped me beat my goal of raising $500. I ended up raising $655 thanks to all of you!

Van Morrison - May 7

This sign was just the tip of the iceberg at the Van Morrison show. Not only were cameras not allowed but, if you were caught taking a picture (even if it wasn't of the stage) you were escorted out along with that fancy camera. Like no other concert I've ever been to before, Van came out on stage exactly 1 minute before the official start time. He played exactly 1 hour and 30 minutes, no encore and certainly no talking. He just played music - period. Did I mention there were no alcohol sales after the start of the show?

Ali Babas - May 6

Quite possibly the best falafels this side of Turkey. I had heard it, but I didn't really believe it until today. Walking to lunch is one of my favorite things about working downtown. The funny thing is how much this street has changed since my SunTrust days. We used to walk down here and eat at Momma Rosa's all the time. I probably never gave this place a 2nd glance.

Happy Cinco de Mayo - May 5

The best thing about Cinco de Mayo - margaritas! Well, guacamole too! I think that next year I'm going to celebrate Seis de Mayo to avoid the crowd or Cuatro de Mayo to beat everyone else to the punch.

Go Cubs...What? - May 4

Being at the ball park brings back memories of being a kid again. I loved everything about ball season - practices, games and of course the concession stand.

Ryan got several hits and that is him hanging out on 3rd base. His second hit was a scorcher down the 3rd base line.

I would normally never root for the Cubs, but in this case I will (for Ryan).

First Day of Work - May 3

Today was not just any normal day. It had been raining so hard overnight and during the morning hours, that roads were flooded , roads closed and lets just say bad traffic all around town. I thought it would take me at least 2 hours to get to work, but it only took me about 1 1/2 hours. Not really that bad considering I had to drive to downtown in rush hour traffic with a torrential downpour. However, the day got better from there. It was pretty much a typical first day - orientation, computers, office setup, lunch with my new team and paperwork. There were 2 big bright spots in the day - I got flowers on my first day from Hallie & Patrick and it only took me 35 minutes to get home (and no I didn't speed that much!).

On my first day of EMployment, here are my top 10 things about being EMployed.

10. No more "certifying" to get my unemployment check every week.

9. No more battling traffic into downtown on Friday nights - I will already be there!

8. Free parking for downtown events

7. Learning a new industry and new things from different people

6. No more Interviews, no more questions on how interviews went and no rejection emails/phone calls.

5. Meeting new people, making new friends

4. Being downtown where I connect with other friends - friends at GP, Phyllis and Stephanie.

3. Getting my plan to move ITP back in motion

2. Being a productive member of society again

and the #1 thing about being EMployed again...

1. Getting a real check every other week versus just the unemployment check