The hostesses with the mostesses in front of the Terrace. This was the tiki torch shot but as Charlsie points out....pictures and fire are never a good combo. Trust me....there were tiki torches.  

Charlsie and I and the best dishwashers in America.....They are good for other things too but since I know they wont ever read this blog we are labelling them as dishwashers.

Favorite things about yesterday

Yesterday was splendid. So splendid I couldn't sleep at all lastnight because I didn't want it to end. Here is why yesterday was so splendid:

-Charlsie came in town from Athens just for our dinner party. I love personal visits from Charlsie.
-The 70 degree weather especially during mine and Charlsie's afternoon run/walk/sprint through Capitol City Club
-Chasing down Jose, the yard man and his 6 man strong crew of yard maintenance folk to beg them to cut our yard before they went home for the evening
-Sprinting down Peachtree Dunwoody next to our new yard man for maybe a mile as he tried to locate the Terrace and the jungle in our front yard
-Having fresh flowers sprinkled throughout our house
-Tiki torch love all along the drive way. Tiki torches = spring/summer = happy Betsy
-The Terrace clean and sparkling with the windows open, perfect music throughout the house and many many candles
-The smell of brownies in the oven
-My new red dress!
-James and Quincy: the dishwashers (for hire if needed) How great it is to cook a big meal and have someone else clean the dishes.
-Officer Davis showing up at the Terrace at 11:45 pm
-Charlsie's before bedtime rendition of Your So Vain
-The last Thursday of the month....I love the end of the month and I LOVE APRIL IN GEORGIA!!!! There is no place I'd rather be in April then right here in the peach state.

Happy Friday everyone! I am headed to the BellSouth Classic to check out golfers bottoms and bask in the sunshine. I'll go ahead and tell you that this weekend is going to be amazing....relaxing.....sunshine.....no plans......fabulous!

On this date last year

People Who will be blogged about today
KATIE - yes, I am now 25, Shipley and Brad, yes, I tried to sneak in your house, Knueven!Hold tight.......it's on the way!


(Funny how things really don't change.....just another year older and maybe a little more dust in our house but really this feels like yesterday......weird.....Update: Brad has yet to make anymore surprise visits. )

This is a shot out to the Terrace crew....Dinner lastnight reminded me of how lovely a collision it was when we all hooked up last year. Cheers to a year+ of friendship! 

Ode to Katie

This is the 6th birthday that I have been able to celebrate with Katie, the blondest of my roommates. For her 21st we planned a surprise party with the randomest of peoples in attendance. We had wine and beer but I dont think one was opened. I don't even remember the details other than it was a conglomerate of people and Katie wasn't surprised. Well, today we embark upon the 6th celebration. Last year we went to Tu Tu Tango and Katie salsa danced and was hazed into taking some obnoxious shots. Today, against her will - we organized a little mini fiesta at her favorite place - Nuevo Laredo. Or Luevo Naredo for some of you. The evening was splendid with the finest of friends in attendance and the best Mexican and cookie cake you could order. More so, Katie was splendid. Katie has been one of my longest friends and literally, with no stories to be shared now, Katie has seen more of me than anyone. (High kick store inserted here for those of you who have heard.) It really is special and rare that God puts someone in your life that he plans on keeping there long enough to live in 4 different places together, date probably 4 different wrong people in between and somewhere between the sisterly-love......genuinely care deeply for the other person. It makes my heart swell to think back about the first birthday celebration.....when I start to think back so many memories of car rides on a beautiful Athens afternoon pop into my head...and the endless power walks down Milledge....even to encounter a nude stalker stranger one time in the Theta Chi bushes ( do you remember this????).....I can't believe that God has so granted me with a friend that really knows exactly how to compliment me, criticize me, encourage me, challenge me, comfort me, entertain me and knows best - when I should just be left alone. And visa versa. Yes, never did I picture us being here, at the Terrace, in our mid twenties....still gabbing at the end of each day about the stories from the day and who we saw and who is engaged and broken up......never did I think I would still have a friend whom I can openly share what God is doing in my life with no akwardness every afternoon. I am blessed and I am better because of perpetual friends like Katie. What a happy day to celebrate! What a great reason to celebrate a genuine friend! Give Katie a kiss today when you see her - it is only once a year that I have a little bit of justification for me embarrassing her constantly.

Feliz cumpleanos a ti, Katie. Me gusta mucho.

Okay here it goes

Gosh, this feels good......my fingers are having a romance with the keys right now. My insides have really turned for this moment for weeks now. I am self-admittedly shady. These last few weeks have just been a whirlwind and really - had I a second to even take off my shoes at night before I get to bed I would have used it to document the events. Unfortunately, now time has passed and really - who cares what happened a few weeks ago? None of yall are blowing up my inbox begging for details....where is the love? So rather than retell....here are a few of the lessons learned:
-Always check to make sure your regular doctor is in and not the 'fill-in' doctor if you so happen to go for your annual head to toe melanoma check.
-If you happen to forget to confirm that your regularly schedulded doctor is just that - scheduled....remember to wear appropriate undergarments for your examination. Enough said.
-If the 'fill-in' doctor happens to be the father of an ex-highschool sweetheart - run!
-Dim lights in an office really make you focus more. This has been my most recent phenomena and it may be that I have just really buckled down at work but I equate it to my new dim light and a little Matt Kearney in the background.
-Really, you can win your day with just two straight hours of focused work. Honestly, this is more than most workers put in after a full day of partial work, email checking, waterfountain mingling, returning phonecalls. Just 2 straight hours.
-You should have a flashlight in your trunk along with the jack and other utensils (I am such a women calling the tools utensils) needed to change a flat tire on a curvy mountain road in the dark all alone with minimal cell phone service.
-Who needs a boy? Girls are highly capable of changing their own tires and jump starting their own car battery's even if the two occur with in a 12 hour period.
-Water is calming. I could sit and just watch the ripples on a lake or water flowing off of rocks for hours. And I did this along with a few of my dearest friends - all day Saturday.
-I love personal evites just for me!
-I like chivalry and love and take for granted that so many of my darling friends are very chivalrous. (Is that a word?) It deserves to be one and my guy friends deserve the honor.
-God is moved by the persistence and passion in which we go about things.
-I really really miss my brothers and my family almost every single day. I hate that we are all 4 in seperate parts of our lives right now and we rarely get to experience these things together.
-It is still okay to have your mother come to your doctors appointments with you even at 25.
-Frozen peas on a blue/swollen nose after a hard ball to nose contact is vital. No peas=bigger blue swollen nose for 3 days and constant funny looks at work.
-Things change. Things never stay the same. Don't get comfortable - just when you do - it is over.
-Being right smack in the center of God's will is exhilerating and frightening altogether. The two, when coupled could create the most beautiful collision in a person's heart. Every ounce of my body is alive for Christ these days and it is truly enlivening beyond any other feeling I could have!
-Eatzis macaroni and cheese is good at any hour of the day.
-Girls know nothing about buying new tires so for this, yes - boy needed.
-Too much cookie cake can make you really really sick.
-Who says 8 hours of sleep are needed a night? 5 is optimal and provides many more glorious hours in the day to actually enjoy the day.
-I have said it before but I just can't get away from this.....Where the Spirit of the Lord it...there is FREEDOM!!!! Freedom that can not be matched.
-Not posting on the blog makes me really really sad.
-No comments makes me even sadder.

Warning

The next post will probably self-destruct. Everything I have touched the last few days seems to end up in a mess. I am laughing at it - really but I am warning you.

Post to come.....

Not good news for the Bulldawg Nation

UGA Announces New Tailgating Rules
POSTED: 11:43 am EST March 24, 2006
UPDATED: 11:50 am EST March 24, 2006
ATHENS -- University of Georgia football fans won't be able to tailgate like in years past.
UGA administrators voted yesterday to prohibit tailgaters from campus before 7 a.m. on game day.
The school is also banning parking on sidewalks and grassy areas.
The new rules will be enforced beginning with UGA's first home game against Western Kentucky on September 2.

Julia and I at SXSW in Austin. That was Norah Jones and the Little Willies behind us.... 

Breathe

I can't see past the sea of papers on my desk. I am overwhelmed and swimming in possibilities that could turn into business. I am getting sick just looking at it though and I can't seem to get anything done these days. Send some calm karma my way asap please.

I'll thank you later. I'll catch up later too. Happy Tuesday!

Tejas

Me gusta Austin mucho and as always - I threaten not to return. Austin is the land of rolling hills and hippies and I am so happy to be here. I love cities that have water in them. There are 3 lakes here and we have seen them all today, had a picnic, had coffee with some people that dont shower and explored all the unique shops. Lastnight we had some of the best Tex-Mex you could imagine and tonight we are hitting SXSW which is the yearly music festival with over 1500 bands. No, I am not that cool- I only know of a few of the bands playing but it'll be good times.
I may not come home - Carson and Juls are treating me like a princess and the treatment is pretty nice. So atleast I am telling you where I have run off to.

Oh to be so relaxed and away and cool in a fun city! It's a hard life.
Adios amigos.

On other notes....

I LEAVE FOR TEXAS IN 16 hours!!!! I LOVE Texas as you all know and I fell head over heels last time I was there and within a week - I was packing my boots and out the door. I think I am a little more settled now and not as anxious to head out for good but I have a good feeling that Ausin and I are really going to like eachother. I am only there for like 48 hours - so not really enough time to develop another crush on the state but atleast enough time to wet my appetite. Texas is the last place I should be going right now as business is picking up and I haven't even unpacked from last week's adventure.....Whatev! Travel is my middle name this year- as it is what brings me most joy. AS far as work is concerned - I am working - remotely. What a beautiful job I have for my vagabond lifestyle.

Every interaction matters

This one man always had the biggest smile every time you passed him by in the elevator or on the way down to the cafe in my office building. He started with my company about the time I did nearly 3 years ago. It's not that we had any special friendship where we actually saw eachother more than passing by in the hall but I guess since we came on board together there was something there...more so, he loved peoplethe way I do. I know this because the way he smiled and inquired about my daily happenings even if the inquiry was short. I guess too, like minded people just pick up on things and his demeanor was a constant reminder of how I wished to treat people - even the one who just pass you by.
Yesterday we received an email that my young-jovial friend had passed away and that details would follow as they come about.
Really, had I not heard this I might not have stopped to wonder where he was becuase it is not daily that I see him. But it was just 2 Fridays ago that we travelled two elevator rides together and laughed about the weather that was forecasted for that particular weekend. He always seemed to inquire about my business - as I am in sales and he is in marketing- with genuine concern. I refuse to live with regret and can only hope that our small interactions along with others in his life lead him to a lead a life of peace and faith outside of work. But really, I could have asked more....inquired more......shared more......
Every day that we wakeup and it is another day - it is yet another opportunity God is giving us to be used. If my ulitmate purpose is to glorify God in every breath, step, word, action, decision and such then why even in my quick-interactions is my heart not burdened to share the peace and joy I have found through Jesus? My heart bleeds for those near to me that have yet to experience Christ on a personal and intimate level....I can't fathom going any of my years not walking step by step, personally, intimately with our Creator. I honestly don't know how people do it. But what about even the people that you may just pass in the elevator or on the way to the mailbox? I understand that God's vision and perspective is so much grander than I can fathom so I dont at all question why things happen. What I can question though is my intentionality with every single person I come into contact with....I may just be a seed-planter and not the gardener in the grand scheme but even then, do I look at every single person as someone for whom Christ died. I know if I could look at each person with such a heavy heart that even my friendly confrontations with by-passers could take on more meaning. I pray that my eyes are opened to every person I come in contact with in a new way. I want to be used. I want to follow so closely to the Savior that I see nothing but the things He sees and my heart begins to feel as He feels.

There is an abundance of joy within me and there is no reason it shouldn't be shared with each person God may choose to cross my path.

Giving to others truly is the highest form of living.

Texas bound

I admit - you'd think by my recent travels and weekend extravaganzas that life is nothing but a bowl full of cherries and business was hopping - so much so that I could take off and travel the good ole U S of A but really - quite the opposite is true. Yes, life is always a bowl full of cherries even if the cherries are rotten but as for business soaring - not so much. No bother though - I have faith things will pick up, they always do. Nonetheless, I am still Dallas and Austin bound Thursday morning. I am going Thursday to Dallas to visit Dallas Theological Seminary. Don't ask any questions - God put it on my heart and I am checking it out - that is all. What's more exciting about the day in Dallas is that I am on my own without a chauffer (sp?) or even an amigo and I LOVE it! Then I head to Austin to visit one of my dearest college buddies - Julia Davis Hooks. I have been told that I will fall in love with Austin to which makes me nervous....the idea of falling head over heels for anything these days is nerve wracking - but really a place where I know God has me as I start to learn to be vulnerable again ( in many areas of life - not just location.)

Okay, gotta go run to do Life Lessons over Lunch for the company. Send up some prayers - we have 35 people coming and the message is on prayer. How fitting.

PS - I just dropped an animal cracker down my shirt and I cant shake it out. You think I need to cool it on the animal crackers after nearly 10 years of addiction?

And something I heard today that I love......
Giving to others is the highest form of living.

The view from Park Point on Lookout mountain yesterday. Don't ask..... 

Indescribable

And therefore I won't attempt it. Nashville this past weekend exceeded any idea of bliss that I currently had. I am humbled today by how beautifully God orchestrated the most magnificent, relaxing, enjoyable weekend. From the fabulous weather to the consntant laughter to the yummy food to the prayers and tears and even the booty dancing Saturday night to the most amazing ride home through the Tennessee mountains to the relaxing conversations in the car to the beautiful sunset lastnight (along with a few unexpected business calls that resulted in some good business for the month) - this weekend had it all. I will not attempt to redo it as it was that good and that savored. Thank you thank you thank you. I do not deserve to feel so full right now.
Happy Monday kids!

PS - I just found out my company has Nashville on the radar on '07 for a new store.....My mind has started to race. Could I entertain a little (615) area code?

I'm alive I'm alive I'm alive

I am sitting in Leah's apartment in Nashville. I am so happy. I couldnt be more at peace. I woke up at 6:30 a.m. and drove to the Centennial Park (???) in Nashville. I can't run with my knees and I shouldn't but I did. I only ran 3 miles and then walked around the Vanderbilt campus for about an hour. In the middle of mile 2 I just stopped though and really fell on my knees. It was so good to hear myself breathing hard and having to exert energy and even though it was painful it was so beautiful just to be running. I thanked God for my heavy breathing and the quietness of the morning and my solitude and for getting me out of town when I needed it most and for my dear friends that I get to stretch the next 24 hours into years of memories. Then I sat and just listened to myself breathe. Thank you God for filling up my lungs with your breath. Someone told me yesterday that I was sold-out and I think at first I thought I needed to get defensive. Until I realized what he was saying I started questioning myself. You are sold out for Jesus and he wants hearts like yours....that's what he said and that's what I am. I am head over heels and in love. This week was trying as I have said but what is so amazing is that the whole week I felta peace even among the trials and the tears. I know I am right smack in the middle of God's will and there is no place I'd rather be despite the daily tests that may come. He is Sovereign - now I sit a few hours away among my dearest friends with not a thing to do today but enjoy and relax and praise Him for the blessings around me.

You alone are Father and You alone are Good
You alone are Savior and You alone are God
I'm alive I'm alive I'm alive I'm alive

The travelling Bohemians (minus 2). I can't wait to see y'all in Nashville. 

Nash-vegas

That's my destination tomorrow about this time. Man, do I need to get out of town and get a dose of my favorite Bohemians! The group of girls I am going to meet are my the best treasure I ever found....nearly 6 years ago. We all met at Greystone my summer after Sophomore year. I ended up at this little hideaway by God's provision only. It was ahard summer becausemy fam was moving from the town I grew up in to Boston of all places. Needless to say, this was the summer that God won my heart over. I mean, I had been a God-seeker many years before but somehow that summer in the midst of chaos with my family moving and a busy campu schedule- my perspective on everything was altered. After many trips throughout the year to our respective SEC schools we planned the next summer to be together in Charleston. Literally, until we all showed up one sunny May afternoon - we werent really sure that our plans would work out. I could write the best novel you'd ever read about that summer. We were on our own little mission trip and in everyway God went before us and prepared us andour experiences to be used for His glory. And so it goes.....every year among a few small visits that may involve a few members of the group - we all try to do atleast one travelling reunion. Last year we hit San Fran and the west coast. This year due to schedules there wont be a big trip so somehow this week we orchestrated a mini-reunion to Nashville. (Where Leah, the nurse, lives.)

I left out all the details but atlest you know the background. Though I may see these girls twice yearly - we never skip a beat.

Hoooray for Nashville and my travelling Bohemians and for the beautiful blessings of friends that know you and like you just the way you are.

La Bohemia!

Mama has the cure for everything

I am at home now. Not Buckhead home - real home...way far away from everything (well, 30 miles...but seems like a different world.) Far away from my office and my house and my other office and the phone ringing and my dirty room and rude clients and far from the pressure that I put on myself daily. Today was trying. Granted, if I have learned anything I have learned that everything is about perspective. Things were fabulous yesterday and today they just went astray...not bad though - just different perspective. I broke down at work pretty bad and since about 1pm I have distanced myself from anything usual in my life. Therfore, I escaped to mama's....sat on the back porch, ate the best dinner ever, drank the most perfect sweet tea and let my mama and daddy tell me that I was okay. That's all it took really. Now I just have to go into the office tomorrow and explain why I had a mental breakdown at work today and went out the door in tears. I dont have those answers. Jesus is the only reason for my energy these days - my whole attitude changed this past December when I answered some weird call (figuratively speaking) to stay in my job and to recommit myself to whatever it was I was to be doing....but, man, I feel like I am being beat up daily these days. Most of the feelings come from work but to be honest some of it has to do with other stuff. I'll leave it at that but altogether it feels like I am being spit on while I am down. Just go ahead and kick me too! Okay, this seems harsh because really I am happy and confident because I know God has me right where He has me and I know I am in the center of his will and sometimes that really is the hardest place to be. So yes, I know that but man, someone is just trying to beat me up and I am just letting them do it. Tomorrow I will not though - so get it over with today. You have 1.5 hours left if you want to take a shot.

Mama has sent me home with some her yummy chicken and collards and sweet potatoes. Re-Dinner tomorrow made by mama is enough to make me smile now.

I am going back to the porch. What a release! Praise God for mothers and daddys and collard greens and my car that takes me far far away from everything routine when I need it most.

I trust you Jesus.
I trust you Jesus.
I trust you Jesus.

The 2 missionaries on our lastnight together in the Atl before they take Swaziland by storm.  

#1 Fans 

Correction

Shoot out. Not show down.

Apologies,
Your #1 Thrasher fan

Kat, Salsa, Budlight and a Monday night

Kat, you were the best date lastnight. You are easy to pleasey and you can be entertained with a mere peanut. Literally, folks, Kat and a peanut and you have a happy girl.
We went on a last minute date lastnight on behalf of my company. We sat in the suite, ate the most amazing salsa ever and drank bud light like it was Koolaid (which for me amounted to a whole beer and ahalf and still an upset tummy today.) We don't really know what a Thrasher is nor a thing about the sport of hockey but we went on the adventure nonetheless. I'd like to say we rode Marta to phipps because it is smarta (but we didnt) but we sure thought it'dbe fun just to ride and next time for sure - we will ride. We were hoping to have to have a resaon to ride it home but we didn't......I am not the partier that I think I am. Anyway, we are the biggest dorks ever especially at a hockey match. They gave inflatable double hockey sticks to clap and oh did we clap them. But get this - we got to see a show down! The greatest part of any sporting event as the announcer says.....And that it was. The Thrasher birds ended up wining. Kat and I won too - we looked hot and drank free beer and hotdogs and had a fabulous Monday night. Cheers to hockey!

Beth and Holly

Two of my favorite Atlanta Chicas are heading to Swaziland tomorrow am for a new adventure in their young lives. I feel like I am going with them I am so excited. I can't concentrate today and I am just thinking about the thrill and the anxiety that these two cuties must be feeling. I pray God is giving them peace that they can not fathom today. There areso many loose ends in our lives that would seemingly need to be taken care of in order to take on a complete life of serventhood. I pray too that they are not overwhelmed but trust that God will work out the details.
I am invigorated by their faith and their tenacity in following a calling from above. Their trust alone is intoxicating and makes me sit and dream of where God might send or have me....and if it is here - in my new office looking out at the Altanta perimeter then amen but I pray if it is that I can still be a tenacious daily about my attitude or service.
Thank you Beth and Holly for being true gems and wholeheartedly seeking Jesus in all you do. More so, thank you for sharing the excitement and the anxiety with us......you will not be forgotten - not one day! I have a picture of you each in front of my desk and I promise you'll be prayed for intentionally - hopefully when you need it most! I am listening to Crowder- "you Alone" right now and addmitedly, I have tears just thinking about how sovereign He has been in making everything happen for you both of you. We are only truly alive as the song says....only when we recognize Jesus in us and in all we do. I hope you have thechance to shout from Swaziland how alive you feel because of His intervention! I love you both. I'll be reading the blog.
I love you Bhutis!
Follow the adventure......
http://www.hollyandbeth.blogspot.com/

Learn more about the adventure....http://www.heartforafrica.org/

Oh Praise Him

There is nothing else to say on a Saturday like today. One of my oldest and dearest friends, Charlsie, was here visiting since Thursday. (BTW- how loved do you feel when people come to visit you? Even little mini-visits are a treat these days when eveyone is in a hurry to do everything.) More so, lastnight we took Eatzis home for dinner, put on our pjs and watched Pride and Prejudice (Charlsie hazed us in to watching this but it was well worth it - the part I saw (remember - I sleep during movies....) and then this morning I actually slept in until the sun was already up...8:10 to be exact. And what a more perfect day to wake up to???? The sky couldnt be any bluer and everything from my shiny car to the blooming Bradford pear trees (that stink during the spring but Charlsie, who is a wealth of useless knowledge (and alot of uselful stuff too) says it is only one of the sexes of the trees that stink - the male I think...to which I learned that trees even had genders???? Did you know this???) Anyway, from those stinky trees to my clean car to even my hateful neighbors yard screams the magnificence of our amazing Creator today! I couldnt soak up the day anymore today if I slopped it up with a good ole piece of my mawmaw's cornbread! I played tennis, did some pilates, read with the windows open, cleaned the house, laid in the grass at Peidmont park and just smiled all day long at the beautiful day that the Lord made. Sunday looks to be much of the same....which makes me think what at all I have done to deserve such splendor for 2 full days. You know this was the first weekend in Atl in 9 weekends that it hasnt rained? I thought we were being punished or something and then we are surprised with this gem of a weekend.

Okay, I stopped in the middle of this post to go to a wedding and now aside from marvelling at the beauty of the day I forgot where I was going with this.....That's all for now. Goodnight.

Daily routine

This is a little secret as I think this habit is quite neurotic and shouldn't normally be shared with the common man. But I went on a highschool retreat last weekend and the theme was "Dialing into God (as opposed to the internet or blogs or myspace....go figure) and being real." So in efforts to live what I preach - here it is: Every single day about 10:11 am I make the same three phone calls. It's almost without thought - I pick up the cell phone, push the speed dial 11, 12 and 13 and I place my bets and then I just hang up.
What am I betting on? Maybe I should have you dial the numbers to find out. I like suspense. But I wont torture as I am feeling generous today.

I am a admittedly a creature of habit though not in all areas....just when it comes to lunch. I love lunch whether I take one or not - I love the concept. I will drive for food and a good conversation and sometimes just drive to drive with my windows down and the sunroof open. Therefore, when it comes to lunch and my favorite places I routinely call to gather the daily menu and then atleast once a week - make a venture to partake in my favorite meal of the day.
Here it is.....and yes, in particular order:
404-239-9023 Souper Jenny: Often imitated but never duplicated for the most grand lunch in the city. You can't help but come off the phone happy once you have heard the daily soups and salads being served. Everything about this place is everything I like altogether: singing in the soup line, fabulous quotes throughout the place, even numbers ($4, $6, $8, $10) for meals...never any change needed, fresh cookies, free fruit and some daily insight while waiting in the line (and the line is atrocious (sp?) on an average lunch day starting from11:30-2pm), happy workers, fresh ingredients, colorful salads, outdoor seating...you name it. This is by far my favorite favorite lunch place in Hotlanta. And lastnight.....you wont believe this - in route to a fabulous party for my buddies, Beth and Holly, who are going to Africa for 6 months, we parked and what to my wondering eyes should appear but Souper Jenny's Open Sign (and I cheered!(Had to make it rhyme)). So on Thursday's they have Grilled Cheese and Soup night. Man oh man - I was in heaven....what a fabulous unexpected treat. Should you need a little lift right now - call this number - you won't be let down even just to hear the chirpy voice on the other end. And, I wil share this with you though you cant tell anyone because I fear this catching on more than it already has and then I will lose....the best soup you may ever taste in all your life is the Chicken Tortilla. It is served maybe every 10th day or less and when it is on the menu it goes fast. That's free from me to you for your loyalty.
Okay, #2 - though as dearly loved, I am running out of time: Should you be up in the sticks in Alpharetta, exit 8 has a fabulous little find: (these have all been previously blogged about should you need further convincing) drum roll please.......Fancy Pantry! (770)650-6544. FP also lists its daily specials over the phone and though not as pleasant over the phone the food cannot be beat. The atmosphere isn't as cozy and the people not as friendly (someone reminds you of the Seinfeld episode of the soup kitchen) but the food is worth the drive and the tolerance for the usual lunch crowd. You will mostly only find here Soccer moms and their toddlers and an occasional business man who has found the secret as well. Take a seat in the back or outside as I do and enjoy a culinary explosion - atleast for what a lunch has to offer. Again, chicken tortilla soup is to die for.
The third is Cafe at Pharr (obviously on Pharr road in Buckhead). I only call them for take out as they have no recording but this little neighborhood fave is the bomb.com. They serve a yogurt roll with every menu item and man, you are going to want to just stick your tongue in this sucker and just lick until you poke through to the other side. It is light and just the perfect after lunch treat. Now this place is teeny tiny and quite a hit for lunch so take some time when you go or do as I do and call ahead. Better yet - call me - I'll meet you or even bring it to you if you want to experience lunch Betsy style.

I'm hungry. Today it is Souper Jenny - black bean soup. I can't wait.
You too can look forward to 10:11 am every morning too - it makes lunch that much more exciting to try to guess before you hear the daily menus if your favorite item is being served.
Happy Friday!

PS- I moved into an office. Exiting but way too tempting to spend more time sharing my life with the world wide web. I need some accountability here folks. Help a sista out.
Ciao bellas.

Far too kind

I never knew there were blog-addicts until you contemplate shutting off the blog. Well, the support is much appreciated. Decision regarding the tenure of this thing is tbd. The reasons aren't because I don't enjoy it - actually quite the opposite...just a funny feeling that maybe there are other things I could be doing right now that seem pertinent. Blogging has become a part of the daily routine replacing flossing and vitamins so it will be hard to break the habit. Nonetheless, the time is near. For now, no immediate worries. Unless of course you want to worry about me and my breathing.

Yesterday on a whim I took myself to Northside hospital. I figured the obstruction to daily living that is due to my inability to consume air like a normal human being had gone on way too long. I go to the doctor much like I get my hair cut - right when I think of it - no advance appointment needed. I go to the Emergency room and then end up somehow on another floor seeing an internist. I do not know a thing about hospitals and doctors and insurance and the whole health industry (aside from a few random facts from my new med-supply sales friend. Of course, he is also the one that asked if my rhomboid was in my throat?). And to be honest - I dont think there is one person at the hospital yesterday aside from the security guard that did a decent job at all of explaining what was going on.....and this was just something minor. I had never needed to understand the term 'bedside manner' because honestly, I have never stepped foot in a hospital past the waiting room (and a slight detour to a room that I think they held people who thought they were hurt but weren't like me - just to make me feel better and charge me multiple of thousands of dollars....this sprang from a minor neck injury in highschool. I was a hypochondriac back in the day. Not now. I hope.) So, I know not a thing about hospitals and processes and more so, I don't know what to really tell a doctor (who is seemingly rude and uninterested in the first place). I know he hears stories everyday and of course, i want him to like my story and maybe offer some sound advise or just tell me I am nuts and everyone lives uncomfortably with their breathing and with their rhomboid.....which is in the back between the shoulder blades, no, not in the throat and not in the leg (mama). Anyway, hours and several old magazines later they finally decide to run every test offered on the floor...I am really not sure why they ran these tests or really what they were testing. Obviously it wasn't enough because just when I thought I might get some answers a former pole vaulter (nurse) came into to try to draw blood from my poor arms. After the 6th try the third nurse was successful. Katie, my hot roommate-nurse says this is not normal and that she has never missed. I wish she was my nurse yesterday.
Anyway, 4 hours and 30 minutes at Northside and I walk out with 3 prescriptions, not a clue what is wrong and a funky purple disk that is somehow supposed to help me breathe if I ever figure out how to work it. The best thing I got out of going to the doctor yesterday was the satisfaction that I actually did something about it and didn't ignore my ailments any longer. I will say after yesterday's experience though, I am not sure how likely I am to go throw myself at another doctor (not literally kids) when everything seems to be falling apart. I think I could have asked my 14 year old sister what was wrong with me and gotten the same response. I am not being cynical - I promise, just honest. If not then I think my new med-supply sales buddy could explain more from mere observation and he has a whole heck of a lot more bedside manner. How much do you charge, new medical-sales-smart friend?
And, yes, I am leaving these bandaids on my arms for the rest of the week - that kind of torture deserves a little sympathy.