more pots

some more stuff from pottery...

I loved this class.  Hopefully I can take it again this coming summer and make a few things that look a little more professional.

toilet privacy

I got a job!  And I start tomorrow.  This will be the first time in 5 years I've worked somewhere with separate men and women restrooms.   I'll have to take a picture of that tomorrow.

insects

Just some cool bugs I found...all on different days.  I didn't even realize I had taken so many bug photos until I went to download my pics.

Found this HUGE spider in Alabama while Dove Hunting with my cousin, Colin

Just trying to show how big he is.

This is the same spider that has been building his web in front of my apartment all summer.  As soon as someone tears it down, he starts over again.  I don't know how many times I could start over.

It was a very detailed web!

This furry creature was at my parents house, taking the sidewalk up to the porch.  :)   I loved his fuzzy feelers.

Pottery Class

I know I need to take my real camera and photo-document Cortney and myself struggling through this class each week.  Recently, we've had creative block and haven't been able to come up with a single thing to make.  Last week I was forced to keep going on a plate that I wanted to smush up and start over into something else.  Once it was finished, it was pretty much agreed on by all that it was beyond bad.

Here's one photo of my very first pot I made on the wheel.  It's much smaller than I would have hoped for, but for the most part, it's even all around.  Maybe Jesse can drink espresso out of it.  HA!  Or I could give it to mom, because she loves everything I make...it's her duty as my mother.

another fairy sandwich...

The pictures speak for themselves.   And if you love Rootbeer and haven't had Virgil's yet, it's fabulous!  GET SOME!

crust or no crust?

Today for lunch, for the first time in a VERY long time, I had a sandwich with the crust cut off.  Jesse and I purchased thinly sliced turkey from the Kroger Deli along with sliced Havarti cheese.  We then halved it so we could both have some at our place.  Why we didn't just buy two bags of each, I don't know.

Anyways, the ladies slicing the deli meat had to have been in their 80s.  They were slow and very precise.  I'm usually in a hurry and would have wanted to jump back there and do it myself, but something about watching them made me smile.  I ended up wanting to walk behind the counter and give them a hug.   I hope when I'm 80 I can still work a job standing on my feet all day, not to mention dealing with the general public, some of which would be just down right nasty.

So back to the sandwich, when I went to the fridge this morning, there it was, waiting for me.  As if some little fairy made it for me.  It even had a packet of ketchup and a packet of mustard with it in case I needed any condiments.  I've never put ketchup on a turkey and cheese sandwich, but for some reason the little fairy must have thought it would be good.

Cutting off the crust is something my mom always did.  I must be too lazy because I never take the time to make a sandwich that I actually enjoy eating.  They are usually dry and boring.  Not the fairy sandwich...it was delicious!  Here's a picture to prove it.

The empty baggie

Mrs. Blaine's Mom

...just asked me if I had gained weight.   Guess I'll be going for a very long run after work today.

spinning wheels

I started my first ever pottery class last week and it's FABULOUS!   I love it.  My second class was last night and although I collapsed several pots, I think I ended up with at least one nice one.  My friend, Cortney is also taking the class (she's a veteran) and says they shrink some, so I might end up with a candle holder instead of a planter....oh well...practice makes perfect, right?

I'll have to take some pictures and post.  Maybe a few of us in action making a mess.

Charleston's Folly

For Labor Day weekend, Jesse, myself and two of our friends visited Folly Beach, just south of Charleston.  We had a beach house with its back yard on the river and the beach only 50 yards from the front porch.  We had an awesome time! 

We went looking for sharks teeth out at the north end of folly beach.  You can see Morris Island from there and the lighthouse.  Very pretty little beach walk.  We didn't find any teeth though.  :( 

I've never been crabbing before, but that had to have been my favorite thing.  It was very relaxing while you were waiting, and then as soon as someone had a snag on the end of their string, it was hectic for a second, and then back to calm.  The wave of emotion was intense!  hehe.

Jesse's crab

Crusty the Crab

Jaimie and her chicken wing

Samuel the Vol

I just had to post these because I think my niece and nephew are the cutest ever.  This was Sam's first UT game.  I'm sure Maggie showed him the ropes and how to do all the cheers.

High Line

I decided to do a post on just the New York High Line.  I love railroad tracks and the intersection of different transportation types and the patterns created by such.  The awesome thing about this elevated rail line is that it runs right through the buildings using it.  I just did a little blurb under my "new york tour guide" page about the same thing, but this goes into a little more detail.  

The high line was built in the 1930s and used for transporting goods from the produce and meat packing companies to the west side rail yard where it could then be put on barges in the Hudson river to be exported out of the city.  Negative attitudes were associated with covering streets with rail lines and the spaces in created below these lines, blocking out the sun and increasing the crime rate in these areas.  Because of this, the high line cut diagonally through the blocks it would utilizing and also through the buildings on these blocks.  Due to increased shipping by use of interstates and the trucks we all despise, the high line was forced to end its operation in 1980.  


There were mixed feelings about what to do with it, some wanted it demolished, others wanted it saved as part of NYC's history.  Luckily, in 2002, it was decided that it would be saved, at which point a public design ideas competition was held.  The winning entry included turning the high line into a large public park.

I loved these photos, all of which can be found on the high line's website.

Babby?!

Update on my babby bunny...

I watched this gal eat for about 15 minutes yesterday afternoon.   She watched me the whole time, and stretched out her neck for the greenest greens trying to stay as far away as possible.  I wish I had had my camera with me.  The camera on my phone just doesn't do her justice.

dishes

My boss's mom is one of the coolest older women I've met (but still not cooler than Marmi).  She brings us lunch about twice a month...it's usually something very strange.  Last week she brought by microwaveable rice bowls from Trader Joes.  We've also had Burger King, sandwiches from stuff she found around the house. burritos, radishes, strawberries, Big K cola, to name a few. 

She loves finding paper weights for Blaine (her son, my boss) and little odds and ends for us to sit around our office (green bowl, metal clock, etc). 

Today when I came in, there was a stack of antique bowls, plates and a tiny planter sitting in front of my computer.  Apparently she thought I would like them.   Not sure if it's the accent that made her think I like antique bowls or what...either way, she was right.  I loved them!   Thanks Miss Bonadies!

I need to clean my floormats

CAPTIVATING

I started reading the book Captivating last night.  It's written by John & Stasi Eldredge.  He also wrote a book about men called Wild at Heart.   I think I'm really going to like this book.  My favorite quote so far:

"every woman in her heart of hearts longs for three things: to be romanced, to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, and to unveil beauty.  That's what makes a woman come alive."

This is so true.  I think I've always known the adventure part, but if you had tried Romancing me 7 or 8 years ago, it would have sent me running.  5 years ago, I never would have admitted it, but nearing 30, I guess things change.  Romance away!  haha!

first day

today deserves two posts because it's my niece's first day of school!   ...and I love her shoes.  I think she's just awesome with her stylish choices, and the fact that when asked about starting school, she responds in the most confident, "it's no big deal" kind of way.  I'm pretty sure I cried and yelled, and clung to my mom's neck.  My reaction to my first day wasn't as bad as the boy at my table that threw up all over the floor, but I still didn't like it.  I bet if I had had a cool backpack or rocker shoes, it would have been just fine.

Maggie's First Day of Kindergarten

Check out the sparkles on those shoes!

I love this girl!  Personality like you wouldn't believe!

photobooth

Friday night after seeing Chihuly Nights, which will have to be a separate post at another time with amazing photos, we went to Melrose to hang out with some of Jesse's friends.  I have been talking about the photo booth for quite some time.   Finally, we had our date behind the black curtain!  I can't wait for the next one!

I was a little disappointed with being jipped out of the 4th photo.

laughing at others

I realize I shouldn't get happiness out of others downfalls, but this is just too funny.   I love how he just throws the whole tent over one pole at the end that is being held up by his friend.

http://www.break.com/index/two-guys-too-wasted-to-set-up-tents.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BreakVideos+%28BREAK.com%29

honestly?

My boss just hacked up a snot ball during a client meeting with the owner and contractor.

Spit Up

Spitup, Spit-up, or Spit Up.  I'm not sure which, but either way it's still vomit.

I got to keep my niece and nephew today for an hour or so.  They are both beautiful!  Sam only spit up on me 6 or 7 times!  It seemed like a lot to me, but my sister assured me that I had not experienced the half of it.  That's something positive! 

the dentist?

no...I don't think so.

love letters from the Incredible Hulk?  Of course!

my little faves

Family... They are coming to visit soon!  I don't have any photos of my new nephew, but I plan on taking hundreds this weekend.  My two nieces are the absolute best!  Both have exciting, unique personalities.  And surprisingly...they do what their parents ask of them.  Sidda Claire is still learning what it all means, but have you ever met an almost 2 year old that goes to bed when you tell her to, without hesitation?  Maggie is very into her crafts, just like her Aunt Amanda.  When she was younger, she called me Mana, and she would run towards me saying my name, gasping for breath.  Who wouldn't love that!?

Maggie & Sidda Claire

Marmi/Mimi & Sidda Claire

Both super awesome girls!

Maggie!!!!

Buggies and Kangaroo Paws

buggies...

What do you do when you find a buggy (shopping cart as some refer to it) in the middle of the street?  You go porch shopping (Jesse came up with this term and I liked it)!  So that's exactly what we did!

We started down at Sevier Park, where we found the buggy and pushed it up 10th.  We didn't really find anything we wanted until we got to Cortney and Ryan's house.  They had some very nice plants and a lovely porch glider.  Sadly, we had to leave the buggy full of goodies on the porch and make a run for it.  I think they will enjoy having Buggy and make good use of it.  Maybe in the future we can all 4 go "porch shopping"

kangaroo paws...

I had never seen this flower until last night, and they are beautiful!  Jesse surprised me with them after Monday School, along with some chocolates.

                    

He was even sweet enough to taste test each and every one of the chocolates for me, so I wouldn't be poisoned.

Chocolate!  YAY!

To celebrate one year together, we went to eat at Cityhouse...definitely one of our favorite places.  On our first visit, the server talked us into trying the pork heart.  I don't think Jesse needed much convincing, but it sounded horrible to me.  It ended up being really good and a great conversation starter.  "So have you ever eaten a pig's heart?"  Once again, it was on the menu.  We had the pig's heart along with the hushpuppies, a specialty pizza, and carolina trout.  All was amazing!  We had a great time!  I'm definitely looking forward to our next year together.