so it goes

Rejewelvenation

2009-12-28T21:59:00.000-06:00

Myrtis Willingham Drummond.
September 6, 1917-May 18, 2007.
Married September 7, 1937 to Garvin Eldred Drummond, October 25, 1919-January 11, 2007.

Tonight I'm thinking about my Granny. I think about her often, actually.
She was a seamstress in a parachute factory during WWII when my grandfather was in the air force stationed in England.
She had piercing blue eyes and light brown hair cut short and curled back from her face.
She was petite and had a great figure her entire life.
She was a secretary at Red Bay High School when my mom was in school there.
She worked retail at J.C. Penny.
She was the middle of 6 children: Curtis, Dora, Myrtis, Gladys, James, and Christine
She lived longer than all her siblings.
She was the daughter of Elizabeth Cordelia and James Lemuel. She was married at her parents' house and spent her wedding night there. She had no honeymoon.
She liked Johnny Cash.
She didn't think women should overexert themselves with exercise.
She loved music.
She loved entertaining.
Garden Club and the church Bell choir were her social outlets.
She made blackberry jelly and peach preserves that remain unrivaled.
They had a house on the Tennessee River. I remember going there as a young girl and thinking it was so funny that Granny never swam without a swim cap.
I remember sitting in the front porch swing with her shelling peas and snapping green beans from her garden. I remember watching her scrape corn off the cob.
She made little round hard biscuits then put a big butter patty on them and smothered them with Karo syrup alongside really crunchy bacon and soft fried eggs.
She was a strict Southern Baptist. She served God through her service to others, but she never mentioned that.
I love(d) her.

2009-12-07T14:40:00.001-06:00

Wow, there's some cobwebs around here... Coming Soon- Best and Worst of 2009!

First Day of New Job

2009-03-02T22:04:00.000-06:00

So, basically, I wish there was a little more space in my head to fit more than the few feeble thoughts I can process at one time. I guess this is about as probable as my ever wearing "skinny jeans". Right. So, honestly, I was not all that nervous, as I've worked in assorted tennis clubs/country clubs for the last decade, but I was a little jittery. Every club does things a little differently. After going through numerous outfits that would be feel-good-first-day-outfits, upon arriving at work I HATED what I was wearing. I felt enormous. All day. Bah. I also froze my tail off. I'm afraid I've gotten a little spoiled to teaching indoors for the last 4 years. I think playing tennis outdoors is a little ridiculous if it's less than 40 degrees. Oh well. As far as first days go, this one was pretty good.

A Year in the Music City

2009-02-15T11:06:00.000-06:00

So, I'm going to compile one of those "a look back" kind of lists for our year in Nashville... The good and the bad. It's interesting to me that we will be leaving Nashville pretty much exactly one year to the date after we moved here. Not sure why that's interesting, but it works as far as this little year-in-recap blog is concerned...

A disclaimer: I have focused on all the positive things in this post. This is an exercise for my mental health, as there were a few negatives I could have mentioned. I left them out, because my brain hurts from trying to make sense of all that has happened. So this is not really an interesting post, it's for me to look back at all the good things. And there were so many! It really has been a great year. I am so fortunate to have the friends and family that I do.

MARCH 2008

It snowed 6 inches the day after we moved. It was great fun to watch the dogs playing.

This was the first time we had picked out a house and set it up together. As excited as I was to go through this process, I was so disappointed to miss my cousin Katie's wedding. Our moving date and Katie and Brad's wedding date were the same weekend. Boo. Hiss.

I started working at Belle Meade the very next week after moving. We were still unpacking boxes. I loved working at Belle Meade Country Club from Day 1.

Dean and I went to see the Predators. I had never been to a pro hockey game before. Fun.

Lee Ann (and Moxie of course) came to visit!

APRIL 2008

Our second wedding anniversary. We went to a cozy dinner at the Yellow Porch. Great little restaurant. This was instantly a place I frequented.

Nalta begins. I still don't really understand the whole system, but I loved being on a team with so many sweet and fun ladies. I have Susie Brannon and Kobie Pretorius to thank for helping steer me in the right direction! I looked forward to playing doubles every Thursday morning.

USTA season begins. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to play singles for my team!

Susan and Jennifer came for the Country Music Marathon and Half Marathon. I still can't believe that Susan convinced me to run the half marathon with her the night before! It was really great fun to run with Susan.

MAY 2008

I drove down to Birmingham to surprise Lee Ann at her going-away party. It was so fun to see friends and family at some of the familiar hang outs. Plus, the next day I got to go to Jill's birthday lunch at Chez Fon Fon. There's something about lunch with Jill at Chez Fon Fon that always makes for a special memory.

Brandon's birthday! Brandon and I went to see K.T. Tunstall at the Ryman Auditorium. We had fantastic seats. Very sweet.

Lucie Cat! I think I've posted previously about my war with the rabbits in the yard and how we acquired Lucie, so I'll spare the details. Her purpose was practical in theory, but she soon became our little darling. I never thought I'd love a cat this much.

JUNE 2008

Lee Ann came to visit, so fun as always.

French Open Final between Roger and Rafa. I can't believe it was so one-sided.

Dean's parents and my parents came to stay with us for Father's Day. Very Special.

Alabama's State Tennis Tournament in Mobile. We won!!! It had been a long time since I had worked so hard to prepare for a tournament. Very satisfying.

Tennessee's State Tennis Tournament in Nashville. I went 3-1 playing singles! My team didn't win overall, but it was a good experience.

JULY 2008

We watched the 4th of July fireworks from the patio at Watermark. Kind of a weird staff party.

Dean and I went on a super quick trip to Chicago. We left Friday afternoon and came back Sunday. Whirlwind. Dean shook Mike Ditka's hand. Fun.

Wimbledon Final between Roger and Rafa. I cried. Hard.

Orientation and pre-opening activities begin for miro district.

I got into a little fender-bender. It was my fault. Very traumatic. Very bad for my driving record. No one was hurt, thank God.

I was so bummed that I could not go with my Alabama team to Sectionals. They came so very close to winning.

The Grand Opening Party for miro district was a brilliant success. I felt really good in the dress I wore. It was great to have my parents and Brandon there. So many friends came.

AUGUST 2008

Miro District opens.

A GIRLS' WEEK IN CABO SAN LUCAS!!!!

We moved Brandon into his house in Tuscaloosa.

Michelle, Brandy, and I went to see My Morning Jacket down on the waterfront. It was a blast.

Brandy and I went to see Bruce Springsteen at the Sommet Center. Awesome.

SEPTEMBER 2008

I drove down to Birmingham and met Susan and Sarah to go to Sam's party.

I went with Merrily and Zanie to the Musician's Hall of Fame for Laurie and Blaine's wedding reception.

Nalta singles and doubles season begins.

Ronald McDonald House Tennis Tournament.

Dean's Birthday!!! We went to Tootsie's and then to The Ryman to see David Byrne. Very fun.

OCTOBER 2008

Presidential Debate at Belmont. I wanted to go.

My Birthday! = begin obsession with iPhone.

Begin Bootcamp. Can you believe I woke up to go exercise outside at 5:30 in the morning?

NOVEMBER 2008

I voted in a presidential election for the first time and my guy won. Yay.

GIRLS' TRIP TO ATLANTA!!! Lee Ann, Jennifer, and me went to stay with Susan! We got to see Kazzi and Andrew too. Cabbagetown Chili festival was so fun. Dinner at Murphy's was great. Brunch was so fun, and then Kazzi's serenade was unforgettable.

THANKSGIVING!!!

DECEMBER 2008

Christmas Party at Catherine's. Fun fun fun.

Christmas Party at Jennifer's. I am still a champion at playing quarters. Yes.

GIRLS' TRIP TO LOUISVILLE!!! Susan and I went to visit Lee Ann. Cute house! Cute neighborhood! Super fun Christmas Party. Sally stole the show. Or maybe it was Amy doing "the worm"... Nobody lost any teeth. and then there was the blue elephant.

CHRISTMAS!!!

NEW YEAR'S EVE!!! I went up to miro district with Brandy and Michelle. Hugh and Emily were there! Shots of limonchello ensued. Good times.

JANUARY 2009

Quick trip to Birmingham for a Dr.'s appointment... Lunch with Jill at Chez Fon Fon! Love it.

Another quick trip to Birmingham for another Dr.'s appointment... I drove straight to Bottega for crab cakes. Then I got to hang out with Kazzi and BG, and Milton and Joey at Dave's. It had been a while since I had stayed out that late!!!

Dean and I went to Atlanta and stayed with Travis and Julie. I got to eat lunch and spend the afternoon with Susan. Awesome.

FEBRUARY 2009

Australian Open Final between Roger and Rafa. I cried. Hard.

Quick trip to Birmingham for me to get a job. Check. We went over to see Jarrod and Courtney's apartment. Very Sweet.

Valentine's Day. Not usually a day Dean and I even celebrate, but this is the first V-Day in 30 years that Dean was not working. Dinner and wine at home and watch some movies. Perfect.

I'll say goodbye to Belle Meade CC next week. There will be tears.

The Annual Buker Party.

And we'll be back in Birmingham.

And there you have it. So it goes.

BEST OF 2008

2009-01-24T17:25:00.000-06:00

I know it's almost February of 2009, but I'm just a bit behind on my posts, OK? So, here goes:

Best of 2008 in no order whatsoever.

Cabo San Lucas for a week with girlfriends.

Bruce Springsteen live in concert.

After 16 years I learned how to hit a forehand.

Playing State tennis tournaments for Alabama and Tennessee.

Adopting Lucie, the rescue kitty.

The dogs discovering snow.

Obama.

My Morning Jacket live in concert.

David Byrne at the Ryman.

KT Tunstall at the Ryman with Brandon.

Grimey's with Brandon.

Setting up Brandon's house in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama's Regular Season Football.

Alabama shutting out Auburn.

Getting Granny's diamond ring at Christmas.

Ryan Shinn

Dean Shaking Mike Ditka's hand.

Michelle Auxier.

Boot camp with Lauren Farina.

The Opening Party for Miro District.

Country Music Half Marathon.

Picking Out and Setting Up my first house with Dean

Christmas Party In Louisville.

Chili Festival in Atlanta.

My brother being sober for the entire year.

Watching the sun set on our deck in spring/summer.

I didn't have a sinus infection the entire year.

The 15 pounds I lost at the end of 2007 stayed gone.

No credit card debt for the first time since I graduated college.

Jill and Ed visiting Nashville.

My parents and Dean's parents together all weekend for the first time.

The going away parties.

Making new friends.

Watermark Pinot Gris, and Miro District Barbera by Jim Clendenon.

Hillary.

Dean having a real hairdresser.

eating at Margot and the Yellow Porch in Nashville

Kenny Gilmore and Mike Yates and Greg McCullem.

Jenny's Capellini

Dean's Greek Salad

Bottega Goodbyes

Roberto Coin crosses-- matching crosses to watch over us

Dean's "upgraded" wedding ring

facebook vs myspace

IPHONE

whole foods/ whole body candles

fairy dust

2008 Favorites: Tunes

2009-01-07T09:16:00.000-06:00

Check out my imix and listen to snippets of any of my favorite songs of '08:

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=301329218

Here's the top 25 out of 100:

1. I'm Amazed, My Morning Jacket

2. Lost!, Coldplay

3. You are the Best Thing, Ray LaMontagne

4. Freeway, Aimee Mann

5. What's Been Going On, Amos Lee

6. Free Fallin' (Live), John Mayer

7. Mercy, Duffy

8. Old Enough, The Raconteurs

9. Rich Woman, Alison Krauss & Robert Plant

10. Supernatural Superserious, R.E.M.

11. Sey Hey (I Love You), Michael Franti & Spearhead

12. Viva la Vida, Coldplay

13. Say, John Mayer

14. More Time, Needtobreathe

15. Shattered (Turn the Car Around), O.A.R.

16. Long Road to Ruin, Foo Fighters

17. Listen, Amos Lee

18. Nothing Ever Hurt Like You, James Morrison

19. Love Remains the Same, Gavin Rossdale

20. Life, Love & Laughter, Donavan Frankenreiter

21. Hope, Jack Johnson

22. You Can't Count on Me, Counting Crows

23. If I Had Eyes, Jack Johnson

24. I'm Yours, Jason Mraz

25. The Way I Am, Ingrid Michaelson

It's the Holiday Season!

2008-12-09T19:40:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

the sky is falling?

2008-11-19T11:33:00.001-06:00

OK. I'm mildly freaking out. I need a break from the bad economy. Any suggestions? Everywhere I look people are losing their jobs, the stock market is like something from Stephen King, yikes yikes yikes. I'm reminded everywhere I look! Help! We're definitely feeling it too. The restaurants are in a very precarious position... I'm worried/nervous/scared/etc. Sheesh.

No stalgia.

2008-11-16T13:01:00.000-06:00

OK, maybe the title is a bit harsh, but I like how it connects with the previous posts...

Above are images of the wooden, silver dollar sized tokens that Bottega used to pass out. I don't remember when I acquired this one, but I have kept it (and kept up with it) all this time.

The first time I went to Bottega was in 1996. It was prom night. I felt like a princess and arriving at Bottega was like a procession into the castle. The menu was unfamiliar territory, and I ordered stuffed quail! I loved it! Looking back, my first experience at Bottega was really the best part of prom night...

The first time I went to Highland's Bar & Grill was in 1997. It was prom night. I had raw oysters for the first time. Again, looking back, my first experience at HBG was the highlight of the night.

I didn't revisit either restaurant until a few years later.

My BFF, LAM was much more savvy about downtown than I was, (I was such a child of the 'burbs) and she got me to go to Bottega circa 2000. I was not very adventurous. I ordered the burger--which is the best in town by far. I also ordered pizza. I had never heard of chicken on a pizza. I mean, what's pesto sauce anyway? Pizza without a tomato base? Unheard of. I was familiar with pork loin, probably a little too familiar. Thus enters the pork loin with polenta and wilted greens era. It's the only thing I ordered for probably 3 years.

My relationship with Bottega changed in 2004. I needed a job. I was at a point where I didn't really know what I was doing with my life, go back to school? pursue a career using my degree? I had a few friends that worked at Bottega and liked it-- thanks to Steve K., Amber T., and Jenny B. I had picked up the application, and in true English major style, spent hours crafting my essay-like answers. I proudly returned the application, and in one of my brighter moments, I asked for a copy for myself to keep. A week went by. I was beginning to panic. My dad advised me to go to Bottega and inquire about the job.

It was a Thursday. Dean and Clarence were standing inside the door. In true suburban fashion, I noticed them, thought for a second that they made an odd pair, didn't think either of them worked there, and went to the bar. I was in tennis attire. I wanted to have lunch and ask about my application. It was the middle of lunch. I was just inquiring. I knew this was not the appropriate time to ask to speak to a manager or expect an interview. Enter: Dean Robb. He was kind of an ass. He though I was there expecting to sit down and talk to a manager about getting hired. I assured him I was just having lunch and checking on my application. Enter: Mary Ann. I was told to come back at 2. I did. Mary Ann interviewed me. Then Dean interviewed me. We sat at table 4. It's the table in the window in section 1 by the bar. They had lost my application. I had my copy in my purse. I was hired.

Training:

Mirepoix. Roux. Aioli. Bechamel. Skordalia. Crostini. Arancini. Sultana. Prosciutto. Pancetta. Cambozola. Gorgonzola. I could go on and on. I had alot to learn. Not to mention the wine. Uuuummmm, what?

My first day was a Monday morning. I had never seen so much crab meat in my life. Adam and I went through the crab cake prep. I was exhausted, but it was great fun. Later Adam asked Amber if I was Jewish. Sorry, I'm a Gentile. Adam and I have been friends ever since.

I had to dice, slice, chop, hell I don't know, to assorted tomatoes and other veggies/condiments with Gordo. Again, I was exhausted, but loved it. We talked about skateboarding and tattoos, and tennis, and he commented on my "guns". I actually wish my biceps were more petite. We've been friends ever since. I was interested in roller-derby with his girlfriend (now wife).

I practiced opening wine bottles with the bartenders in the morning. Phil brought me Cubs gear, and Jamey and I laughed and talked about music.

I helped big Tim make a pizza. I helped Geri with the salads. I was petrified. I had never really cooked anything in my life. (Unless grilled cheese sandwiches and pigs in blankets count) They said I was their favorite trainee ever. I felt like I had just earned a gold star in Sunday School. It was a great day.

Enough for now. I'll continue with another post soon........

Nostalgia, part 5.

2008-11-16T12:32:00.000-06:00

Here are Dean and Frank at the annual Magic Moments event.

This was Dean's favorite function at Bottega every year.

The event is now affiliated with Tum Tum Tree.

Nostalgia, part 4.

2008-11-16T12:00:00.000-06:00

Here's Dean leaving Bottega on a Sunday.

Nostalgia, part 3.

2008-11-16T11:49:00.001-06:00

This is Dean and Pardis at the Highland's 25th Anniversary Party.

The party was at Frank and Pardis' farm.

A good time was had by all.

Nostalgia, part 2.

2008-11-13T21:14:00.000-06:00

This is a photo of Clarence, Frank, and Dean at our wedding party in Birmingham.

They have been friends for a long, long time.

Nostalgia.

2008-11-13T20:50:00.000-06:00

This is a photo of Dean and Brandon at Highland's in the early 90's. Sweet.

For a almost 2 decades Dean was committed to 2 things:

#1 Brandon, #2 Bottega

blooming orchids

2008-11-02T10:58:00.000-06:00

The orchids are blooming! They have been dormant since around April and I've been worried that they didn't really survive the move from Birmingham. They are very temperamental plants, but so elegant and beautiful. It makes me happy when they bloom.

more SNL funnies

2008-10-25T23:38:00.001-05:00

Just in case you missed it...

They're creepy and they're kooky, they're altogether spooky

2008-10-20T12:31:00.000-05:00

They're our neighbors across the street.

This mess of not-even-garage-sale-worthy junk sits out in their driveway. It's been there since we moved in in March. I look at this everyday. It bugs me.

They wait until their yard looks like a jungle before mowing. Then they mow a few patches and leave the rest for another day. It's like having a schizophrenic yard service. But at least they do mow sometimes I guess. There is another junkyard in the back of their house that is even worse.

All this to say, that I came home from work on Saturday and I saw these relatively cute Halloween decorations in the yard. Speechless. So, they hardly put any effort toward the upkeep of their yard (I shudder to think what their house must look like on the inside), yet, they took the time to decorate for Halloween.

My fear of course is that they will not make the effort to actually take down the decorations. This fear is rooted in the fact that there are Christmas lights in their backyard and white lighted reindeer that have been up since we moved in. I mean, why bother taking it down? These holidays do happen every year... Sheesh.

OK, I feel better now that I got that out of my system.

Holler and Stomp

2008-10-12T11:28:00.000-05:00

What a fun night! LAM came down from Louisville for a night out in the Music City. We went up to miro district for dinner which was delicious (I'm biased, but it is the best food in town). After dinner we went to a little bar called "The End". It reminds me of the Nick in Birmingham, but much cleaner. We hung out with the band, Dressy Bessy, before and after the show. Very cool. They had actually played at the Nick the night before. I had on my boots and LAM and I danced like maniacs.

I haven't gone out like this in ages. It was overdue.

A few thoughts...

1. I am so glad that I am married to my husband. It was a nice little ego boost that even this old married lady that needs to lose 15 pounds can get out and be chatted up a little. But the best thing is coming home to my favorite person.

2. I am drawn to the drama and buzz of live music performances. This is true even if I don't know a single song. I just love the energy.

3. You don't have to live in the same city as your friends to stay close. I have not seen LAM in months, and we had just as much fun as we did the 7 years that we did live in the same city. It was just like hanging at the Garage, the Nick, Rojo, Bottletree, and Bottega. Good times.

4. It will be a long time before I go to a bar that only serves beer again.

5. If you dance so much that you sweat out most of the toxins, there is little to no hangover the next day. I was very sweaty. I feel great today.

the presidential race comes to music city

2008-10-08T12:25:00.000-05:00

I had thought about taking off work to go to some of the debate festivities as I think that this is one of the most important presidential elections in history. However, I was unable to get tickets. They were very hard to come by. I did experience other frustrations... It took me an hour to get home instead of the normal 15 minutes due to re-routed traffic, road closures, and an exorbitant amount of security vehicles. It was pretty cool to see all the black government SUV's... I felt like I was in a movie. That was as close as I got to the debate though--but hey, secret service is pretty cool. At least I had my iphone to play with while I sat in traffic.

By the way--I thought the debate was pretty mediocre. Not too many questions received direct answers. Much talk about what "we're going to do" but not so much "how we're going to do it".

ibirthday

2008-10-06T11:12:00.000-05:00

A big thank you to those of you who encouraged the iphone... I've had it less than 24 hours and I already am questioning how I made it this long without the awesomeness that is the iphone.

the ghost of Halloweens Past

2008-10-01T20:46:00.000-05:00

These would be Daphne from Scooby Doo, a Geisha, an 80's Prom Queen, Roller Girl, Cher, the Grassy Knoll (it was a Kennedy themed party), and Jenny the Genie. That's all I have to say about that....

chicken suit for the soul

2008-10-01T20:29:00.001-05:00

I found myself in Target today browsing through the Halloween section. Aside from the usual witches, princesses, French maids, fairies, wonder womans, and angels, I came across a Chicken Suit. Yes, that's right. A chicken suit. I had to try it on. HIGHlarious. It's big. It's white. It has huge floppy wings. And my face through the open beak. It's $49.99. I didn't buy it, but it's all I've thought about all afternoon... I might have to go back for this treasure...

I did purchase candy and cute candy bowls. I'm playing this game with myself to see if the candy I bought today will actually be the candy I pass out in 30 days....

iphone

2008-09-30T18:02:00.000-05:00

so-I'm thinking about getting an iphone... I have been a loyal Verizon user for years. Right now I have the "Q", so I do have internet access, but it is pretty slow and I rarely use it. I love the keyboard which makes texting really easy and quick... But, as I love all things mac of course I have wanted an iphone since they came out. My contract with Verizon expires this weekend so I am a free agent. Those of you that have the iphone, any advice?

miss alaska

2008-09-29T13:28:00.001-05:00

vintage Sarah Palin.... in the Miss Alaska pageant... yes, the republican vp candidate was once a pageant girl. she's rockin' the republican red way back when.

http://perezhilton.com/tv/index.php?ptvid=86b4fb14469a2perezhilton.com/tv/index.php?

just for fun

2008-09-29T11:18:00.001-05:00

just a few more laughs for monday morning....

it doesn't get old

2008-09-29T11:08:00.001-05:00

I am having so much fun with this whole Sarah Palin issue. I mean, I have to stay on comic side of this, because the "serious" side scares the bejesus out of me. People can't really take her seriously, right? I am officially not having this conversation with any of my republican loved ones. I do have many right wingers as family and friends, but come on folks...

small luxuries

2008-09-26T15:45:00.000-05:00

So, I've been driving around Nashville for over a month without an air conditioner. Yes, in August/September. I finally took in the "workin' man's car" to be serviced this afternoon. Not too painful. About $250 and 45 minutes at the Honda dealership. Nice. Driving home was like a dream. I felt like I was driving the little Audi I dream about... Gotta love a Honda Accord.