Sharing - March 31

Tonight on the way home from bible study, I just couldn't resist my first dipped cone of the summer (OK its really still Spring) season. After having those first few perfect bites, I realized that Charlie wasn't there to share my cone with me. This was a ritual for us, I would eat the top part down to the cone and then he would eat the rest. About the time I was getting sad, I arrived home and 2 little boys were begging for a taste. I think I now have a little buddy (or 2) to share my cone again. But, no kitty or doggie will ever take Charlie's place. I still miss my boy :-(

New Years Resolutions Check - March 30

1. Read the bible from cover to cover -- still in the book of Job ( a little behind)
2. Visit continent #6 of 7 -- need a job before I can book it
3. Move -- need a job first
4. Get a new Job -- 2-3 really good prospects (1 very promising)
5. Do at least one volunteer project a month -- Atlanta Food Bank in January. The Atlanta Dream Center got cancelled in February because of snow, but I'm going to make it up another month. PRUMC's Great Day of Service in March.
6. Do at least one singles event a month -- Alpharetta Dinner Club in Jan, Fusion & Valentine's Stock The Pond Party in February, March - Roller Skating with Fusion, April - Buckhead Church Softball
7. Workout a minimum of 4 days a week -- 15x in Jan (1 short of goal), 13x in Feb (3 short of goal), 14x in March (2 short of goal)
8. Mark off at least 1 thing on Bucket List -- February plans fell a little short - going to try again in May
9. Max out Roth IRA -- see #4
10. Max 401K (after I get a new job!) -- see #4
11. Visit at least 1 ballpark -- waiting on baseball season to start although I did visit Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports
12. Read 25 books -- (6/25)

Antico-Pizza - March 29

Quite possibly, the best authentic pizza in town. It was a real treat tonight sharing the Magherita and Capricciosa pizzas with Hallie, Patrick and Phyllis. Had there not been a private party going on, we could have sat in the kitchen right were they were preparing our pizzas! Don't forget the cannolis!

Palm Sunday

Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday. Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, which means "spring." The season is a preparation for celebrating Easter. Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time for penance by all Christians. Palm Sunday or Passion Sunday specifically marks the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in the days before his Passion.

Palm Sunday is special to me because it marks the anniversary of when I was baptized 10 years ago.

Great Day of Service

Saturday was spent painting and doing yard work around this elderly man's house in SW Atlanta. While it was a very long day, our efforts were very much noticed at the end of the day (notice the "before" and "after" shots). We had a team of 20 from Peachtree Road UMC, Wieuca Baptist and other friends in our team.

Batter Up

My regular softball team is playing on Wednesday nights this season, so I can't join in since that is my bible study night. So, I joined a league with Buckhead Church on Friday nights for the Spring season. I don't know most people on the team, but its a great opportunity to meet some new people. We kicked off our season tonight with a 22-7 win over the black team...YAY!

Cats in the Cradle

It's springtime, so that means looking for every reason to go to Rita's. Tonight they were having a fundraiser for Cats in the Cradle, which is the rescue group that brought Mac to me. 20% of all proceeds tonight went to this organization. Its not difficult getting Jen, Mark & Meredith a reason to come out too. Next, we'll be getting Luke hooked on these refreshing summer treats!

Blooms

With springtime comes the blooming of Bradford Pears and Cherry Trees. I jump to those because those are the trees you see more commonly around Atlanta. The Bradford Pears are pretty, but they sure do have a funky smell. The downside to all this are ALLERGIES! Seems like that is one of the more common things talked about amongst strangers today...."All these blooms sure do bring out my allergies".

Flip Flops - March 23

One of the best things about it now being Spring is trading in my waterproof hikers for flip flops.

Health Care Reform - March 22

Now that the Health Care Reform bill has been forced upon us, now its time to figure it out. I hope someone out there has confidence in our Federal Government running this thing efficiently. Does USPO, Social Security or Medicare mean anything?

Round 2 - March 21

Sunday was spent glued to the TV watching Round 2 of March Madness. I'm battling "miamiboggs" for first place. There is just something about college basketball that gets everyone excited. Its amazing how this time of year there are so many people into this tournament that normally don't care. I think it's because of the pools and the possibility of winning $$!

Spring Day 1 - March 20th

What makes the first day of spring special other than just the normal nice weather? Free Ice @ Rita's. It's a tradition, so if you missed this year go ahead and mark your calendar for next year.

16 miles - March 19th

After waiting all week on some news from my latest interview and a full week of job search duties, I decided to play hooky for the day. The beautiful spring weather was calling my bike's name. So, we headed out for the Silver Comet Trail. 16 miles later we had lunch on the patio at Atkins Park. There is nothing like springtime in Atlanta. It's amazing how a little sunshine and exercise can do amazing things for the soul.

Fireplace Chats - March 18th

I'm convinced that I own 2 of the craziest cats ever. Have you ever known a cat to want to explore the INSIDE of a fireplace? Well, JJ did that this afternoon. He came out with a new shade of charcoal on his pure white fur. That was after he got a nice cleaning from me. Don't worry - I have taken extra precautions to prevent this from happening again. Crazy cat!

St Patty's Day - March 17

It wasn't until the Continuum CD that I became a big John Mayer fan. When he was still an up and coming star in the Atlanta area, he had dreams of selling out Eddie's Attic and then it was Variety Playhouse. Now, he is selling out Philips Arena. It just goes to show you that no one's dreams are too big. Dream Big!

Today is also St Patricks Day. For those of us in the U.S., its just another holiday to go out and party. Many do not know that there is real meaning in this celebratory day. As it is celebrated in Ireland, March 17 was the day "St Patrick" brought Christianity to Ireland.

Baked Salt N Vinegar - March 16th

I had never really like Salt N Vinegar chips until I went to London in 2008. There I fell in love with them. But, the only problem is that I could never find them baked. So, whenever I had them it was definitely a splurge. Today I was at the grocery store browsing the natural/organic section and look what I came across...Kettle Baked Salt N Vinegar chips. I can't say they make my "favorites" list yet, but I'm just glad to have another option.

Monday Night Trivia - March 15th

Monday night trivia @ Pepperoni's was more proof that I tend not to keep worthless facts bottled up inside. However, I did remember that Jacques Costeau died several years ago, Peter Fleming's tennis partner was the more famous John McEnroe and Friends' Rachel ex-fiancee was a dentist. We were in 3rd place going into the last question, but lost it on the 2nd largest fresh water lake completely contained in the U.S. Do you know the answer?

Goodbye Dear Friend - March 14th

In the early morning hours on Friday, our dear friend Jane passed into heaven. Today we memorialized her with great sadness that she is gone, but blessed that she had been apart of our lives. We will miss you!

Double Rainbow - March 13

On the way to the funeral home tonight, we saw this brilliant rainbow and another one behind it.

After Noah's Flood, the Bible relates that the rainbow gained meaning as the sign of God's promise that terrestrial life would never again be destroyed by flood (Genesis 9.13-17). In Greek mythology, the rainbow was considered to be a path made by a messenger between Earth and Heaven.

Mom's 70th - March 12th

Today was Mom's 70th birthday. We celebrated by going out for barbeque - "we" being 16 of us! Greg got her these balloons - 30+40=70 or is she 30? or 40? Regardless, we had a good time. Happy Birthday Mom - I love you!

Keens - March 11th

Another one of my "Favorite Things", Keen hikers. I bought this shoes for my trip to Europe last summer. They have been the warmest and driest shoes. I'm looking forward to putting them away in exchange for flip flops!

Rain, Rain Go Away - March 10th

This rain is really putting a damper on my Spring Fever. I heard that we've had the coldest winter since the 1930's (but I was told not to quote that). Regardless, its been the coldest winter in a very long time. I'd be willing to bet that we've also had the wettest winter in a very long time.

Spring Time Grilling - March 9

In an effort to start eating better, I decided to grill up a hamburger and some veggies tonight. My latest addiction is roasted red peppers with a little goat cheese (well most people would call it slightly more than a little). Spring is just around the corner and I would be willing to bet most people can feel it. its so nice waking up to the birds chirping. Next we'll be talking about "Spring Forward" this coming weekend.

Like Family - March 8th

I got home from Orlando to hear some sad news about a very dear family friend, Jane. She is in the hospital ICU with a dim prognosis. Our family grew up with the Elledges, experienced great times, and hard times together. One of the things I always loved about Jane is that she always treated me just like one of her own. Some of my best childhood memories is spending endless summer days riding bikes, kickball and baseball with Tommy (her son and my best childhood friend) at their house many days. Our moms also took turns many of those summer days dropping us off & picking up at 6 Flags and water slides. My thoughts and prayers are with them now.

Spring Training - March 7th

Today (along with yesterday) qualifies as "Best of 2010". Not only did I get to spend it with my girls, but I got to see my Boys of Summer play for the first time this year. I got a first glimpse of Jason Heyward, Tommy Hanson's first game, a few autographs in what will be known as Bobby Cox's last Spring Training. I've decided that I'm going to make ST an annual event.

Mini Golf - March 6th

The weather was such a nice change compared to what we have been experiencing in Atlanta this winter. With the temps in high 60's (maybe even 70), we just had to get out and do something outside. So, mini golf was the choice of the day. It wasn't your typical mini golf course, it was a real golf course just MINIATURE!

Road Trip - March 5th

Lisa, Linda and I headed off to Orlando today for a weekend in the sun. Looking forward to spending a weekend with my 2 of my oldest and best(est) friends.

Red Bull - March 4th

Most of my week has been consumed with preparing for my interview at Red Bull today. Seems like we had a great conversation and I came away being very excited (more so than before) about this opportunity. RB would be a very cool company to start my next career.

NY Resolutions Check - March 3rd

1. Read the bible from cover to cover -- still in the book of Job ( a little behind)
2. Visit continent #6 of 7 -- need a job before I can book it
3. Move -- need a job first
4. Get a new Job -- 3-4 really good prospects (1 very promising)
5. Do at least one volunteer project a month -- Atlanta Food Bank in January. The Atlanta Dream Center got cancelled in February because of snow, but I'm going to make it up another month. PRUMC's Great Day of Service in March.
6. Do at least one singles event a month -- Alpharetta Dinner Club in Jan, Fusion & Valentine's Stock The Pond Party in February, March - Roller Skating with Fusion
7. Workout a minimum of 4 days a week -- 15x in Jan (1 short of goal), 13x in Feb (3 short of goal)
8. Mark off at least 1 thing on Bucket List -- February plans fell a little short - going to try again in May
9. Max out Roth IRA -- see #4
10. Max 401K (after I get a new job!) -- see #4
11. Visit at least 1 ballpark -- waiting on baseball season to start although I did visit Disney's ESPN Wide World of Sports
12. Read 25 books -- (3/25)

Snow in March - March 2nd

It is snowing again in Atlanta. It has been snowing since this morning and it appears as though I already have about 2-3 inches and no sign of letting up. JJ and Mac love to watch the snow fall!

Sugar or Spice? - March 1st

I gathered with a group of girls Monday night to watch this season's Bachelor finale. We were not surprised to see that he picked Vienna. The question is -- how long will it last? We were also happy to hear that Ali is going to be the next Bachlorette!