Fusion - January 31st

Tonight started the beginning of the Winter Fusion cycle. I decided to try different neighborhoods, so this session I'm in the Midtown Fusion.

Oregon Chai Tea - January 30th

I had gotten in the habit of running by Starbucks almost everyday because I love their Chai Tea. The problem is that its just so darn expensive! So, in an effort to save money, I started buying Oregon's Chai Tea. There is (almost) nothing better on a cold day. If you want to spruce it up a little, add a little Redi-Whip to it :-)

Vinocity - January 29th

january's new restaurant night was celebrated at Vinocity in Kirkwood with Phyllis joining me & Hallie. The food was OK, but the bar scene appeared to be happening.

Atlanta Food Bank - January 28th

One of my New Years Resolutions is to do at least 1 volunteer project a month. Tonight John and I volunteered at the Atlanta Food Bank. We sorted food along with a group of kids from Pace Academy. The Atlanta Food Bank distributes nearly 2 million pounds of food and other donated grocery items each month in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia. Tonight we sorted 4800 lbs of food, which will be about 3200 meals.

Coke Is It or Is It the Real Thing? - January 27th

This is the new Coca Cola fountain machine being test marketed in Atlanta. I went to the Willy's on Roswell Road with Jeff just to check it out. This new fountain allows many more possibilities and choices. I can get Coke Classic w/ Cherry, Vanilla, Raspberry or Orange! Who would have ever thought it possible in a fountain? I started out with my usual Coke Classic and then ventured into Cherry Coke and Vanilla Coke. I thought the flavors were more like the original soda fountain taste than the canned artificial flavoring. I can't wait until these things are everywhere!

The Help - January 26th

The Help by Kathryn Stockett is my latest book addiction. I'm still in the beginning, but so far it appears as though its going to be a very good book.

My Dad - January 25th

27 years ago today, my dad passed away. There are probably not many days that go by where I don't think of him at least once. Its interesting how someone that wasn't a part of your life for very long (in the grand scheme of things) could have such an impact.
I always really liked this picture of him.

Trader Joes - January 24th

I can't say that I'm completely hooked yet...but, I did stop by Trader Joes today to pick up a few things. I'm going to try their Mahi Mahi and Ahi Tuna.

Who Has Money? - January 23rd

We've traveled half way across the globe together and I hear Mayda say "I don't have any cash". Tonight for a change, she actually had money.

Margaritas! - January 22nd

Friday night was a night for some margaritas - enough said.

Who Knew Almonds Could be So Good! - January 21st

On my trip to Peru, everyone got hooked on these Wasabi & Soy Sauce almonds. The Cocoa Roasted ones are pretty good too. Both are a good high protein snack!

Happy 40th - January 20th

Happy 40th Steph! It was a lot of fun last night celebrating your last night in the 30's!

A Great Day in America - January 19th

Scott Brown (R) won the Massachusetts special election for Ted Kennedy's Senate seat. Kennedy (D) held this seat for almost half a century. What a victory for Brown to win in this state. Hopefully, this is a strong message for DC.

Been Toilet Paper Rolling? - January 18th

I'm sorry Mac, but the toilet paper hanging from your ear gives it away. You were the culprit! I came home from the gym this morning to find a roll of toilet paper had been shredded in my room. I usually think JJ is the troublemaker, but maybe I've been wrong about this one?

24 Jack is back! - January 17th

What is there not to like about Jack Bauer? He's sexy and is saving the world one terrorist (OK sometimes a few more) at a time. Too bad we don't have a real Jack Bauer in the U.S. Or, do we?

Happy 1st Birthday Noah - January 16th

Noah's birthday was actually on the 12th, but his party was today. He had fun playing in his very own cake. You can't see it here, but he had blue icing in his hair. Isn't he a cutie?

Freebie - January 15th

My friend Kristin's dog, Freebie, passed away this week an 16 (almost 17). He had been battling kidney disease for almost 2 years, but had always been really spunky until this week. I know Kristin and Mike will miss him terribly.

Kodak Family - January 14th

It's amazing that after so many years, we still get together. The old Kodak crew is truly like a family and I always have a good time seeing them.

7.0 - January 13th

One of the poorest countries in the world was hit with a devastatingly earthquake on Tuesday. Tens of thousands are expected dead. While its very sad, I'm also comforted by the fact that regardless of political, social differences countries always seem to come together when a country is in need like Haiti. China, US, Brazil and France (just to name a few) are some of the countries that have already launched help relief.

Teen Mom - January 12th

After spending years not watching MTV, I'm suddenly hooked on Teen Mom. Its a reality show that follows 4 Teen Moms and how they are coping with their situation. If you haven't seen it, catch it on MTV Tuesday nights @ 10pm! Just what I needed, another TV show on the DVR!

Bucket List Part 2 - January 11th

Seems like many people have been talking about their lists lately and some articles have popped up in some magazines. So, I decided to expand my list to 100. For your enjoyment, here is part 2. As always, if you have a good suggestion, let me know.
36. See the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
37. Go to Niagara Falls
38. Visit 50 countries (20/50)
39. See all 57 U.S. National Parks (19/57)
40. Walk on the Great Wall of China
41. Go to a Winter Olympic Games
42. Attend Sundance Film Festival
43. Go to a roller derby
44. See all 7 Wonders of the World (2/7)
45. :-)
46. Get kicked out of a bar
47. Drive from one coast to the other
48. Oktoberfest (Germany)
49. Ride a mechanical bull
50. Visit a concentration camp and vow to never forget
51. Bungee jump
52. Ride an elephant in Thailand
53. Visit the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah
54. Ride the Olympic bobsled in Park City, UT
55. Take trapeze lessons
56. Buy a BMW in Europe and drive it on the Autobahn
57. Dip toes in every ocean (3/5)
58. Bike ride across Portugal
59. Participate and finish in a mini-triathlon
60. Learn to ride a dirt bike
61. Sleep in an ice hotel
62.
63. Own a vespa
64. Be in 2 places at once
65. Protest something
66. Run for a train and have to jump for it
67. Drive a ridiculously expensive car
68. Ride the Trans-Siberian railway
69. Fill up my passport
70. Throw a big Cinco de Mayo party
71. Ride a camel
72. Drive on the left side of the road
73. Go to a drive-in and make out
74. Catch a foul ball or homerun at a baseball game
75. Go to a Jewish wedding
76. Wrap a Python around my neck
77. go hang gliding
78. go toilet paper rolling
79. see the running of the bulls in spain
80. see mount rushmore
81. walk the sidewalk of stars in hollywood
82. celebrate st. patricks day in ireland
83. ride in a gondola in venice
84. visit dracula's castle
85. walk across the brooklyn bridge
86. walk across the golden gate bridge
87. be given an american indian nickname
88. gamble in the grand casino in monte carlo
89. see the pyramids in egypt
90. see galapagos islands
91. go to the kentucky derby and wear a big hat
92. experience zero gravity
93. go snorkeling on the great barrier reef
94. see victoria falls
95. see an induction ceremony at the baseball hall of fame
96. fart in a crowded place
97. visit normandy beach and vow to never forget
98. learn to juggle
99. get a group of random people to sing a song everyone knows
100. steal a street sign
101. swim with sharks
102. go to okinawa
103. hike inka trail to machu picchu (DONE)
104. gamble in a las vegas casino (DONE - many times over)
105. go skydiving (DONE)

The Patrohays - January 10th

Today I hung out over at Lisa's house with her, Dan and the kids. It was fun playing games with the kids. It is always nice spending time with my Josh, my godson. Isn't he a cutie?

Yummy - January 9th

When i visited Paris, I fell in love with Nutella Crepes. You just can't find them here where they are that good. Well, my search may have finally ended. Crepe Revolution in Smyrna has almost as good as Paris - definitely the best in Atlanta.

Snow Day 2010 - January 8th

This is the snow that caused such havoc in our city last night. However, I went out to the gym this morning and the roads were worse than I thought.

#13 - January 7th

Technically, the game didn't end until after midnight. So, I cheated a little :-).
Alabama won it's 13th National Championship tonight...oh how sweet it is. After going 17 years since the last one, this one is special. Congrats Bama boys - we are all very proud of you.

I can't help to think how happy Steve would be tonight! I know he is looking down from heaven with a big smile on his face!

LOST - January 6th

I got behind last year on LOST so I asked Santa to bring me Season 5 DVDs. I started watching it today since the Final Season is quickly approaching.

Heat Again - January 5th

After heat going on and off for several days, Central Heating & Air came out today. Turns out it was just some oxidation build up on the flame sensor. All it cost me was the price of a service charge - Yay!

HotLanta? - January 4th

It's weather like this that makes me wish I lived in the Caribbean. If it's this cold, then please LET IT SNOW!

Coldest Day = No Heat - January 3rd

Today is by far the coldest day of the year. I woke up this morning with my room freezing. So, I went downstairs to turn the heat up a little. I wish I had taken a picture of the thermostat because it read 57! That's right - my heat decided not to work today. So, I've been keeping the living warm with the fireplace and a space heater.

Me & Rob - January 2nd

In a few months, Robbie will be heading off to Afghanistan. We will all miss him and be praying for his safety along with all his fellow Marines. It was really nice to spend the day with him before he heads back to Camp Lejeune. He will get to come home one more time before being deployed.

Happy New Year - January 1st

I don't consider myself a superstitious person, but this year I figured it couldn't hurt to have some Black Eyed Peas (luck) and Greens (Money). I just added some hot sauce to them - what isn't good with a little hot sauce? My only question is - What do you eat for Love?

My 2010 New Years Resolutions
1. Read the bible from cover to cover
2. Visit continent #6 of 7
3. Move
4. Get a new Job
5. Do at least one volunteer project a month
6. Do at least one singles event a month
7. Workout a minimum of 4 days a week
8. Mark off at least 1 thing on Bucket List
9. Max out Roth IRA
10. Max 401K (after I get a new job!)
11. Visit at least 1 ballpark
12. Read 25 books