Its amazing to me how much the sisterhood that developed when I joined a sorority would remain a lasting part of my life. Not only are some of my closest friends those that I met at the sorority house, but it is also a connection I've used now that I have moved.
The strength of sisterhood has been present lately as one of our sisters is having a difficult time. Her daughter (2 years old) was recently diagnosed with Leukemia. Not only have we all been praying for the family, but many of us have donated gift cards and/or made meals so the family doesn't have to worry about it. They have recently started a blog to share the journey with friends and family. Please, whether you are part of a sorority sisterhood or not, keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.
Wednesday, July 30
Monday, July 28
Weekend Recap
James and I had a somewhat quiet weekend. We had pizza and watched National Treasure 2 on Friday. Saturday morning we went for a run. I wanted to try a new route, so we did...I think we ran about 4.5 miles. We were all wiped out afterwards, including Barley. Then Ricky and Lisa called wanting to play tennis. Not ones to turn down some tennis practice, we said sure. So, we were really wiped out after about 2 hours of tennis. We ran a bunch of errands afterward, including a stop at Harry's (Whole Foods) to take advantage of the 20% off case of wine. (We're wine lovers if I haven't already mentioned that). We got a couple favorites and decided to try a couple new ones. We also got some tuna steaks for dinner. GREAT...we seared them with sesame seeds and had wasabi mashpotatoes as a side. Then we watched Syriana. It was a bit deep....Sunday, James got up and gave Barley a haircut, bath, and nail clipping. Then we went to church and got James' car washed. At home I cleaned and James hung some bathroom fixtures. We tried a new recipe for dinner. Beef Sukuyaki. It was pretty good. I got it from a Food and Wine cookbook.
So, today's its back to the grind. Looking forward to the Hootie and the Blowfish concert on Friday!!
So, today's its back to the grind. Looking forward to the Hootie and the Blowfish concert on Friday!!
Friday, July 25
Blog Roll
I haven't updated my blog list in awhile....If you've been reading and want me to add you to the list, please leave a comment and I will update my list!
Happy Weekend
We have no plans for the weekend....should be nice. Its been a pretty uneventful (read slow) week at work. I did workout 4 days so far and am counting on a nice run in the morning. Maybe I will do some yard work after....I can't wait until we get some rain and I can get the yard looking the way I want it. Our grass looks horrible right now because it gets so much direct sun. I think we are going to switch to bermuda next year.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Have a wonderful weekend!
Wednesday, July 23
Favorite Summer Recipe
I just wanted to share one of my favorite summer recipes. It is good warm or cold. It just tastes so fresh. We had it last night with grilled barbeque chicken. (I don't really follow the measurements except for the couscous and broth. I just throw in vegetables that I have on hand)
INGREDIENTS:
2 medium carrots, diced
1/2 cup diced celery
1 teaspoon onion, diced
1/4 cup julienned sweet yellow pepper
1/4 cup julienned sweet red pepper
2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
1 medium zucchini, diced
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 dash hot pepper sauce
1 cup uncooked couscous
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet, saute the carrots, celery, onion and peppers in oil for 5-6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add the next five ingredients; mix well. Stir in the couscous. Add broth; bring to a boil. Cover and remove from the heat; let stand for 5-8 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve immediately.
INGREDIENTS:
2 medium carrots, diced
1/2 cup diced celery
1 teaspoon onion, diced
1/4 cup julienned sweet yellow pepper
1/4 cup julienned sweet red pepper
2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
1 medium zucchini, diced
1/4 cup minced fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 dash hot pepper sauce
1 cup uncooked couscous
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
DIRECTIONS:
In a large skillet, saute the carrots, celery, onion and peppers in oil for 5-6 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add the next five ingredients; mix well. Stir in the couscous. Add broth; bring to a boil. Cover and remove from the heat; let stand for 5-8 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve immediately.
Tennis Recap
Well, the tennis season is over. I listed my stats below. They don't look very good, but considering it was my first time playing tennis, I am happy. I really enjoyed playing tennis and hope to continue playing. I am not playing in an ALTA league this fall, but am planning to keep practicing. I may try to find another league to play in to keep up the competition. I'll keep you posted. Just wanted to share my wonderful stats with you.....
Matches W-L
0 - 2
Sets W-L
0 - 4
Games W-L
12 - 24
Matches W-L
0 - 2
Sets W-L
0 - 4
Games W-L
12 - 24
Working Out!
We are finally back into a workout routine. We started going to the YMCA last week. Last week I ran 3 times, lifted 1 time, and played tennis. This week I have been to the gym everyday (at 5:30 AM, too). Hopefully we can stay in this pattern because it definitely improves my overall moral.
Oh and by WE, I mean James is going, too!! James has been asking for an IPOD nano, so I am using it as an incentive to get him to the gym. If he goes for 3 times/week for 1 month, then he can get the IPOD. Maybe if I stay committed to the workouts, I can convince him I need one, too!! I have an MP3 player but it just is not user friendly and its difficult to transfer songs. And I definitely need good music for my workouts, especially the runs!
Oh and by WE, I mean James is going, too!! James has been asking for an IPOD nano, so I am using it as an incentive to get him to the gym. If he goes for 3 times/week for 1 month, then he can get the IPOD. Maybe if I stay committed to the workouts, I can convince him I need one, too!! I have an MP3 player but it just is not user friendly and its difficult to transfer songs. And I definitely need good music for my workouts, especially the runs!
Friday, July 18
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Visit Nordstrom for their anniversary sale. Tons of fall stuff on sale until August 3. I usually find quite a few things!
Thursday, July 17
Saks Update
Just to update you on the Saks issue.....
James went into the store yesterday and met with the store manager. They had found 1 pair of the boxers in the back, which they gave him for free. In addition, they had 2 pairs shipped in from another store with no shipping fee. We are satisfied they have addressed this issue and will continue to shop with them.
James went into the store yesterday and met with the store manager. They had found 1 pair of the boxers in the back, which they gave him for free. In addition, they had 2 pairs shipped in from another store with no shipping fee. We are satisfied they have addressed this issue and will continue to shop with them.
Wednesday, July 16
Tuesday, July 15
6-4,6-3
Score of my second match...we won 2 more games. We actually played much better together this past week. Only 1 more week left in the season.
Thursday, July 10
Saks Fifth Avenue
I hope you all don't think we like writing letters, but we've just had some bad service lately....Below is my husband's letter to Saks Fifth Avenue:
I was in your Saks Fifth Avenue store at Phipps Plaza in Atlanta, GA yesterday (July 9, 2008) at 4:45 PM. Here is an account of my experience in your store and why I will find it hard to return:
The men's store was fairly empty and there were two associates on the floor - none of whom greeted me despite the fact that I was wearing a newly tailored Armani suit. I wandered around the store until I found the 2xist soy boxer-briefs I was looking for only to discover that they were on the top shelf. I looked around and saw no one to help me so I moved a ladder over and began to search myself. I could not immediately find the size after 10 boxes being pulled down so I decided to pursue a floor associate. I stood at the checkout desk for 5 minutes and finally a guy asked me if I was being helped. I replied that I was not and then he asked me what I was looking for. After I told him boxers, he yelled across the store to another associate named Lloyd to help me. Lloyd looked disheveled and I was asked again what I was looking for. I again said 2xist soy boxer-briefs. He said OK and proceeded to take me to the other side of the department store. I followed, thinking maybe I looked in the wrong place. Once there, he was told that the boxers were in his section and so we proceeded back. Once back to the place where I had looked before he asked me my size - I told him Large. He then proceeded to look for my size and after a couple of minutes said sorry, they had no more, and did I really need soy. I replied yes, that is what I came in here to purchase. I then asked if he could order them for me and either send them to my house or the store and I would pick them up - he said sure, but I will be charged $13 in shipping for the boxers. I responded by asking him to credit the shipping since I spent more than that in fuel on my 35 mile one-way drive down to the store solely to get these boxers and spend the gift card to Saks that Mercedes of Buckhead gave me for purchasing my new vehicle from them. He said there was no way Saks does this. I then asked if he could have it sent from another Saks store and he said there would still be a FedEx charge to me for this. His tone and wry smile were not well received by me on this subject. By this time my patience was getting thin and I asked to speak to a manager. Lloyd called the manager and paged the manager and after 10 minutes of no response, my business partner who was in the store with me, asked me why we were waiting as we were late for our 5:30 meeting. I looked up and waved good-bye to Lloyd who actually looked relieved that I was leaving so that he would not have to explain the situation to his manager. I now even question whether or not he called the manager at all.
I find it odd that not only did I receive the lowest quality of service I have ever seen, but that no manager was on the floor to assist with the operations of the store. As you can see, if you were treated in this manner, how could you return to such a place of disrespect to further transact business. I am writing you in the hopes that this situation can be remedied, both in your store service as well as with patrons like myself who, up until now, were loyal to the Saks Fifth Avenue brand. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
I was in your Saks Fifth Avenue store at Phipps Plaza in Atlanta, GA yesterday (July 9, 2008) at 4:45 PM. Here is an account of my experience in your store and why I will find it hard to return:
The men's store was fairly empty and there were two associates on the floor - none of whom greeted me despite the fact that I was wearing a newly tailored Armani suit. I wandered around the store until I found the 2xist soy boxer-briefs I was looking for only to discover that they were on the top shelf. I looked around and saw no one to help me so I moved a ladder over and began to search myself. I could not immediately find the size after 10 boxes being pulled down so I decided to pursue a floor associate. I stood at the checkout desk for 5 minutes and finally a guy asked me if I was being helped. I replied that I was not and then he asked me what I was looking for. After I told him boxers, he yelled across the store to another associate named Lloyd to help me. Lloyd looked disheveled and I was asked again what I was looking for. I again said 2xist soy boxer-briefs. He said OK and proceeded to take me to the other side of the department store. I followed, thinking maybe I looked in the wrong place. Once there, he was told that the boxers were in his section and so we proceeded back. Once back to the place where I had looked before he asked me my size - I told him Large. He then proceeded to look for my size and after a couple of minutes said sorry, they had no more, and did I really need soy. I replied yes, that is what I came in here to purchase. I then asked if he could order them for me and either send them to my house or the store and I would pick them up - he said sure, but I will be charged $13 in shipping for the boxers. I responded by asking him to credit the shipping since I spent more than that in fuel on my 35 mile one-way drive down to the store solely to get these boxers and spend the gift card to Saks that Mercedes of Buckhead gave me for purchasing my new vehicle from them. He said there was no way Saks does this. I then asked if he could have it sent from another Saks store and he said there would still be a FedEx charge to me for this. His tone and wry smile were not well received by me on this subject. By this time my patience was getting thin and I asked to speak to a manager. Lloyd called the manager and paged the manager and after 10 minutes of no response, my business partner who was in the store with me, asked me why we were waiting as we were late for our 5:30 meeting. I looked up and waved good-bye to Lloyd who actually looked relieved that I was leaving so that he would not have to explain the situation to his manager. I now even question whether or not he called the manager at all.
I find it odd that not only did I receive the lowest quality of service I have ever seen, but that no manager was on the floor to assist with the operations of the store. As you can see, if you were treated in this manner, how could you return to such a place of disrespect to further transact business. I am writing you in the hopes that this situation can be remedied, both in your store service as well as with patrons like myself who, up until now, were loyal to the Saks Fifth Avenue brand. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Art of Shaving
I am not sure if I told you all that I got James a gift certificate and barber shave at the Art of Shaving Store. Well, it was a horrible experience. Below is the email I sent to them describing it......as you will see, he loves the products and still uses them, but the in store shave - worst thing ever....quite a disappointment when its a first anniversary gift.
My husband has been a loyal user of your products for the past 2+ years. He has always wanted a barber shave, so I told him when we were near a store I would get one for him. We have recently moved to Atlanta. I thought a barber shave and some product would be a great anniversary gift. Boy, was I wrong. I called the store at Lenox to schedule and pay for a shave. The service was great. They boxed a gift card for James and discreetly sent me the receipt. The problem came the day of the shave. James arrived and was told he must spend $50 in product to receive the shave complementary (I was told $40, it was a good thing his gift card was for more than that.) Then, it was the worst shave James has ever given himself (this was his first experience with a barber shave). It was so bad in fact, that another customer came into the store while he was receiving the shave and said "wow, that's a lot of blood." James felt the entire shave was rushed, there was no special treatment, and he had knicks and razor burn on his face for our anniversary dinner. While I can't say that he won't use your products anymore, because they actually work for his sensitive skin, I will say that he will not do an instore shave again, nor will he recommend it to anyone. Neither will I. I thought it would be a great gift and surprise, but I was very mistaken....I will have to find a more suitable gift for our first anniversary to replace this one.
My husband has been a loyal user of your products for the past 2+ years. He has always wanted a barber shave, so I told him when we were near a store I would get one for him. We have recently moved to Atlanta. I thought a barber shave and some product would be a great anniversary gift. Boy, was I wrong. I called the store at Lenox to schedule and pay for a shave. The service was great. They boxed a gift card for James and discreetly sent me the receipt. The problem came the day of the shave. James arrived and was told he must spend $50 in product to receive the shave complementary (I was told $40, it was a good thing his gift card was for more than that.) Then, it was the worst shave James has ever given himself (this was his first experience with a barber shave). It was so bad in fact, that another customer came into the store while he was receiving the shave and said "wow, that's a lot of blood." James felt the entire shave was rushed, there was no special treatment, and he had knicks and razor burn on his face for our anniversary dinner. While I can't say that he won't use your products anymore, because they actually work for his sensitive skin, I will say that he will not do an instore shave again, nor will he recommend it to anyone. Neither will I. I thought it would be a great gift and surprise, but I was very mistaken....I will have to find a more suitable gift for our first anniversary to replace this one.
KY weekend
Here are pictures from the weekend in Kentucky.
Hanging with Ali at the family picnic
James and me at the picnic
Dancing with my father-in-law at the wedding
Hanging with Ali at the family picnic
James and me at the picnic
Tennis
I am playing again this weekend, though with a different partner. Our practice got rained out on Tuesday, so I am hoping to get to the courts for a bit tonight or tomorrow. Going a whole week without hitting any balls and then playing could be bad....I will keep you posted!
2 Weeks - OVER
So, guess what I had for breakfast.....cereal. I am at the end of my 2 weeks without dairy. Unfortunately, I have to report that I do not think my issue is with dairy. I am now going to try grains because I have had a couple "problems" the last 2 weeks. Though, giving up certain foods was making me grumpy, so I will be careful with the dairy through the weekend, and then give up grains beginning Monday.....
Isn't there an easier way to determine this stuff.....
Isn't there an easier way to determine this stuff.....
Monday, July 7
3 day weekend
I just love a 3 day weekend. James' mom came on Thursday evening to visit. She stayed until Sunday. We played tennis, relaxed at the pool, went shopping, and grilled out. We had a nice time. I was sorry to have to work this morning!!!
I hope everyone had a great 4th. We had a crab fest (I didn't eat any as I don't like shellfish) and played cornhole. We didn't see any fireworks. The weather started looking bad, so we didn't head anywhere.
I hope everyone had a great 4th. We had a crab fest (I didn't eat any as I don't like shellfish) and played cornhole. We didn't see any fireworks. The weather started looking bad, so we didn't head anywhere.
6-3,6-2
That was the score of my first tennis match. We lost. But, I had a great time playing and can't wait to play again.
Wednesday, July 2
Digestive Issues
(don't read further if you are grossed out by digestive issues)
I am not sure if I have shared with you all, but I have digestive issues. I was diagnosed with IBS about 8 years ago. I still have flare ups. Recently, I have heard that a lot of IBS sufferers are actually lactose intolerant. So, in an effort to pinpoint any triggers I may have for my "attacks" (this is what I call them as it comes on suddenly and I must make my way to the restroom immediately), I have decided to cut dairy from my diet for 2 weeks. I never realized how difficult that would be. No cereal or yogurt for breakfast, can't put cheese on my eggs, no mexican foods (can you really eat mexican without cheese or sour cream??), no pizza and most pastas, can't take calcium chews, etc. So, no wonder that after 6 days I am a little grumpy ;) I don't think I have had a really satisfying meal yet. And to top it all off, I have had 2 "attacks" in the 6 days.
I think I will try to stick it out for 2 weeks (that is what it takes to get dairy completely out of your system). And then I will try to exclude other foods, I guess.
Anyone else out there have these "issues"?? And have anything that has helped you???
I am not sure if I have shared with you all, but I have digestive issues. I was diagnosed with IBS about 8 years ago. I still have flare ups. Recently, I have heard that a lot of IBS sufferers are actually lactose intolerant. So, in an effort to pinpoint any triggers I may have for my "attacks" (this is what I call them as it comes on suddenly and I must make my way to the restroom immediately), I have decided to cut dairy from my diet for 2 weeks. I never realized how difficult that would be. No cereal or yogurt for breakfast, can't put cheese on my eggs, no mexican foods (can you really eat mexican without cheese or sour cream??), no pizza and most pastas, can't take calcium chews, etc. So, no wonder that after 6 days I am a little grumpy ;) I don't think I have had a really satisfying meal yet. And to top it all off, I have had 2 "attacks" in the 6 days.
I think I will try to stick it out for 2 weeks (that is what it takes to get dairy completely out of your system). And then I will try to exclude other foods, I guess.
Anyone else out there have these "issues"?? And have anything that has helped you???
Tuesday, July 1
Book or Magazine?
What do you normally read in the summer?
Generally I read (or browse) more magazines than I do books. But I have noticed that I prefer to read books at the pool. I am not sure if it has to do with the fact I am normally reading paperbacks and they are smaller and easier to handle on a lounge chair. Just a random musing on my part and I was wondering if anyone noticed their reading habits changing in Summer.
Also, any book recommendations?
Generally I read (or browse) more magazines than I do books. But I have noticed that I prefer to read books at the pool. I am not sure if it has to do with the fact I am normally reading paperbacks and they are smaller and easier to handle on a lounge chair. Just a random musing on my part and I was wondering if anyone noticed their reading habits changing in Summer.
Also, any book recommendations?
Weekend Recap
Finally, a weekend at home!!!
We had a great weekend at home this past weekend. Friday night we tried to play in a tennis mixer...we got interrupted by rain twice during the evening. Saturday started with the tennis match, I didn't play, but James WON - his first win all year. Saturday afternoon was nice, so we went to the pool. We played cornhole at the pool before changing locations for a block party cookout. It was a very fun night. Sunday, we went to church and then the grocery. When we got home, we got comfy again and watched a movie*. Don't worry, not all was lost, we swept and mopped all the floors in the house and folded about 5 loads of laundry! All in all a great weekend.
* We watched Gone Baby Gone - very good movie, definitely a movie that makes you think.
We had a great weekend at home this past weekend. Friday night we tried to play in a tennis mixer...we got interrupted by rain twice during the evening. Saturday started with the tennis match, I didn't play, but James WON - his first win all year. Saturday afternoon was nice, so we went to the pool. We played cornhole at the pool before changing locations for a block party cookout. It was a very fun night. Sunday, we went to church and then the grocery. When we got home, we got comfy again and watched a movie*. Don't worry, not all was lost, we swept and mopped all the floors in the house and folded about 5 loads of laundry! All in all a great weekend.
* We watched Gone Baby Gone - very good movie, definitely a movie that makes you think.
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