The Life of B

What Happens In Vegas...

2010-06-26T10:58:00.002-04:00

...stays in Vegas, except for this group pic!

Vegas, May 2010

**this was a month ago...i'm a little behind**

night out, new york

2010-05-15T07:14:00.006-04:00

Since we live in a room together, Stephen & I have a lot of nights out in New York. We really enjoy trying new restaurants (we could live here the rest of our lives and never try them all!), but we also have the ones we frequent over & over again. Our favorite neighborhood - the one you will find us most often in - is the East Village...it's funky, vibrant and has a ton of great restaurant choices!

Last night we headed down that way for a quick bite & tried a few new spots that had been on our list! First stop was Yuca Bar. We thought we were going to eat here, but only ended up having some chips with super yummy guacamole (and of course a couple of cocktails!). From there we let the neighborhood lead us around.

We headed over to The Bourgeois Pig, but they weren't quite open yet, so we went across the street to a jewelry store and bought a couple of pieces...Stephen got a "Leo" pendant to put on his necklace (as I am the Leo in the relationship it represents me & it is such a cool piece it may find it's way on to my neck some day...shhh, don't tell!).

I got this amazing necklace made by Tirana Jewelry, who uses post consumer recycled precious metals to make their pieces.

Obviously we side tracked ourselves, but we got some great jewelry that we'll treasure forever, so no big deal! By this time, the Pig was open - we sat at a table near the open windows and enjoyed Baked Brie in Phyllo along with the Rarebit Fondue...both were super delicious!!

After those yummy snacks we walked around a bit looking for the perfect place to end the evening. When Stephen saw Scarab Hookah Lounge it was decided! We order the Egyptian Fachfachina Mix and finished the night up in smoke!

Sorry for all the text this time ;) - here are a few more pics from our night out:

grocery shopping NY-style

no parking

War Hippie

building reflection

trashy

church bells were ringing

couldn't finish without a picture of yours truly!

One day, I'm definitely going to miss THIS! While there is a lot to do in New York, my favorite will always be a simple night out!

Draft Day

2010-04-24T09:18:00.005-04:00

Every once in a while I go to 1iota tickets to check for free tickets to shows in New York. Last week I was excited to see the NFL Draft was one of the events available. We were confirmed for Friday night tickets & I added this great event to our list!

Here are some pics from Radio City for Round Two of the NFL Draft:

75th Annual NFL Draft

stage is set

our tickets (right in front of ESPN crew)

Mel getting serious (lots of make-up for this guy)

Berman mic'd up (also got to see him air guitar China Rose)

standard Moreland pic

The Podium

Let Round 2 Begin

We cheered loudly (among a lot of boos) when the Cowboys drafted Sean Lee - linebacker from Penn State! But unfortunately we left before Colt or Shipley were drafted in the third round, which also means we missed Mack Brown announcing Colt's pick.

It was exciting to see Sergio Kindle & Lamarr Houston go back to back! So glad we went to cheer and boo right alongside all the other crazy fans!

You Know Jack

2010-03-30T18:18:00.005-04:00

Last night we met up with the brother-in-law Scott & partook in another Texas style evening of fun! We started at Wildwood Barbeque then headed over to City Winery to catch Jack Ingram play the last stop of his Acoustic Motel tour.

waiting for the show to start

jack doing his thing

city winery is a great venue for acoustic sets

the group with George & Jack

A special thanks goes to Sarah, a friend that organized our backstage meeting in New York all the way from Austin! It was an great night & Jack put on an awesome show!

Brooklyn Adventure Part 1

2010-03-21T17:58:00.005-04:00

We marked 3 things off The List today! It was quite enjoyable once we got past the stress of navigating the weekend train schedule.

The day began with a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, followed by a sweet treat & coffee @ Baked, then Grimaldi's Pizza & ended with a walk back over the bridge.

Here are some of the photos we snapped along the way:

This way to the Brooklyn Bridge

Stephen's ready to start the walk

half way to Brooklyn

Liberty

cars go by

One of the things on our list was to have a sweet & salty brownie from Baked. It made its way on our list after seeing it featured on Food Network's "Best Thing I Ever Ate" program. Unfortunately (especially unfortunate since it took us FOREVER to get there), they were out of the sweet & salty brownies & we had to "settle" for this sweet & salty cupcake. It was delicious & the bits of salt really were enjoyable with the richness of the chocolate!

sweet & salty cupcake

waiting on the train (again)

Grimaldi's Pizzeria was on the list, because it is often heralded as the best pizza in NYC. We originally went as we came off the Brooklyn Bridge, but there were tour buses full of people waiting for the restaurant to open!! When we came back a few hours later the line was still incredibly long, BUT after just over an hour wait, we were seated & thank goodness, the pizza did not disappoint!

the line @ Grimaldi's

19 old fulton street

the pizza

We thought about taking the train back to Manhattan, but thought it best to walk back over the bridge after all the goodness that went in our bellies!

on the way back to Manhattan

end of a great day

Saturday Night Later

2010-03-06T20:45:00.001-05:00

Well - we came, we waited, we will conquer some other time. Guess Zach Galifianakis is more popular than we thought...either that or we jinxed ourselves by talking about going so much!

Here's a photo timeline of our day trying to get SNL crossed off our list:

no make-up shot in back of cab @ 5:30 a.m.

we got #96 & #97 stand-by tickets for the dress rehearsal

it's a no go for our tickets (i'm apparently a little sadder than stephen)

Unable to cross this one off our bucket list we will try again in a couple of weeks...you know the saying "if at first you don't get live, go back & wait some more".

Texas Independence Day

2010-03-06T08:32:00.000-05:00

On March 2nd in 1836 the great state of Texas became its own republic for 9 years. While most folks probably think it is just another excuse to party down, the day is actually a legal holiday.

Stephen & I celebrated by heading to Hill Country Bar-b-que to feel those Texas roots. We even wore our boots...

It was a great night with fabulous food & country music on the radio!

A Behanding In Spokane

2010-02-28T09:54:00.005-05:00

Man, when I get back on the blogging wagon, I really let it loose! This will be my last post for today *tears* - but don't fret, I will (hopefully) continue to document my list.

So, Friday night (Feb 27th) we went to see A Behanding in Spokane, a play by Martin McDonagh.

I was driving to an appointment in Times Square the other day, when I saw Christopher Walken's name on a marquee. Well let me tell you, I LOVE me some Christopher Walken. I immediately called Stephen, well, maybe I texted him - any way, doesn't matter. I got a hold of Stephen, who googled the play.

Turns out the play is only a 16-week limited engagement! We hopped right on those tickets (translation: bought in a hurry) in the new found spirit of getting things done in this city.

Because I'm a little wordy, I have taken the summary off the official website:

Martin McDonagh's first American-set play—the outrageously funny A BEHANDING IN SPOKANE—has arrived on Broadway in a star-studded, 90-minute world premiere production.

Carmichael (Christopher Walken) has been searching for his missing left hand for almost half a century. Enter two bickering lovebirds (Anthony Mackie and Zoe Kazan) with a hand to sell, and a hotel clerk (Sam Rockwell) with an aversion to gunfire, and we're set for a hilarious rollercoaster of love, hate, desperation and hope.

Besides Christopher Walken, we got to enjoy the immense talent of Sam Rockwell, Anthony Mackie, and Zoe Kazan. True fabulousness.

Year of the Tiger

2010-02-28T09:38:00.000-05:00

So the first thing on the list was to attend the Chinatown Chinese Lunar New Year Parade and what perfect timing with my list and all, because Chinese New Year happened to fall on the same weekend!

My inaptitude for being able to read a calendar resulted in a trip to Chinatown two Sundays in a row - the first Sunday, Feb 14th, happened to be the Firecracker Ceremony where the use of over 600,000 firecrackers warded off the evil spirits for the year. It was way too crowded (see below) to get any good pictures or really a good view period. Stephen & I just listened to the firecrackers ward those spirits away.

Here are pics from the parade the following Sunday:

one of the many floats

look at that beard & his dog was just like him

regal fellas

taking it all in

prepping for her day

fanned out

the year of the tiger

colorful end

cutest boy

goodbye to chinatown

elaborate masks

Shalom Y'all

2010-02-28T08:56:00.005-05:00

Two weekends before I moved to New York I went down to Austin to say goodbye. While at Trudys indulging in Stuffed Avocado & a Mexican Martini (or two), I stumbled (no pun intended) upon my horoscope in the Austin Observer. And here is what it said:

Leo Horoscope for July 21-27 2006

The Hebrew word "shalom" is both a hello infused with a goodbye and a goodbye leavened with a hello. That's why it would be wise and fun for you to make it your word of power in the coming days. You'll be spinning through a transitional zone in which it won't always be clear which direction is up. You'll be coming and going simultaneously, embarking on new journeys and ending old ones. Whenever you say "shalom" whether it's a greeting to someone else or a mantra uttered in solitude, you'll remind yourself that the threshold you're in is pregnant with a thousand possibilities.

Now at the time, and really still to this day, I found this to be the most amazing horoscope ever. I mean I was moving to NYC and my horoscope not only talks about journeys old & new, but uses the word shalom to do so. Brilliant.

Lately I've been thinking about the last line - "pregnant with a thousand possibilities" - and have determined that while I have enjoyed my time in NYC, I have not taken advantage of all the things I should do before I eventually move (I mean you can't stay in a studio apartment with a husband & dog forever, right?).

SO, I got Stephen on board & got one of those childhood composition books & have written out a "to do list" for all the things we want to see, places we want to go, food we want to eat, etc. A bucket list if you will.

The plan is to do at least one item a week (sometimes more) and also to cross them off while we go (well, actually just a red check beside them, so we can read them later). So far it is working & so we don't forget, I went ahead and put all the cool things we have done in the almost 4 years we have been here and checked those off, too.

The second part of the plan is to post about each of the things we cross off. I know this is the part that excites you the most! (yes, sarcasm)...

Any way, I guess the only thing left to say is Shalom Y'all!

this hangs by my front door with the horoscope taped to the back of it
a gift from Susie to help with my transition

Pack Mule

2009-07-23T17:11:00.004-04:00

What a day! Let us start with my outfit choice - cute summery dress with white cropped cardigan & fab silver sandals. Cute, right?

Well let's then add to that wind & humidity!! I was playing fetch with the dress practically all day except of course when it stuck to various parts of my body like static cling.

Of course, we haven't even covered the accessories yet. Paired with the silver sandals was my grey Chanel - great match...Though in typical Brittany fashion (and here's where the title of the blog comes in) I didn't stop there.

Due the fact that I had a training scheduled late morning I headed out to my first meeting with an additional 200 lbs. Now I know I have a propensity for exaggerating, but this time I may be pretty close to the truth.

My tote was filled with the standard "Brittany outside sales woman extraordinaire" paperwork (yes this is a joke - feel free to laugh), as well as, my laptop, and a monster sized price book. Additionally I had a bag with TWO shower heads (in case you missed the emphasis - that's 2 shower heads) in it.
My arms were so far out over the bags (picture the Marshmallow Man) that I had great difficulty catching my skirt or separating it from my behind (depending on whether the wind was blowing or the humidity was getting the best of me.

By the time I came home to drop some of the weight off I was drenched in sweat and my face was tomato red - I was the picture of beauty!

So much for the cute outfit!

My life as a juror - Day One

2009-06-28T11:42:00.009-04:00

Here's some writing I did while doing my civil duty -

Damn, I forgot all my quarters. I could have filled up on vending machine junk all day - that would have been fun! I could have been that girl that keeps getting up to go to the vending machine all day.

I found $1.50 in quarters - I can't read the sign from here but doubt that would even get me a soda & a snack (heck maybe not even a soda these days!). Guess I will just eat the lunch Stephen packed.

On a positive note I did snag the row with extended leg room & unlike an airlines the NY court system isn't making me pay extra for it - Sa-weet!

They have started the video to teach us about the good we are doing here today. Guess they started the wrong one... Now this is quality acting. I suppose Ed Bradley narrating it makes it more legit.

The lady making the announcements should be a stand up comedienne - perfect deadpan delivery.

I'm sure I look like a crazy person - I have aleady caught myself humming to a song out loud & just now I pratically jumped out of my seat dancing to Gypsy Kings! Ohhhh - now Nelly is rapping...I'm gonna turn this place into a dance party!

11:40 a.m. - Two civil case selections and my name wasn't called for either one of them.

Do you ever crave certain things? What a silly question of course the answer is yes! Right now I find myself craving a Diet Snapple Lemonade Ice Tea & a bag of Peanut M&Ms. Of course they have neither in the vending machine.

(Sidenote: There are NO good pictures of Diet Snapple Lemonade Iced Tea, however, this is the only Snapple I drink & the one I was craving, so please use your imagination when looking at the picture above!)

--and that's where my IPOD died.

The second day was spent reading my book (Gods of Alabama - definitely worth a read). I was never picked for a trial (never even asked to sit in during an interview process)...normally I would have a complex about not being picked, but the Ed Bradley narrated charm of a video taught me that it is nothing personal - just a random drawing!

So there you have it (in case you wanted it) - my thoughts as a civil servant...seems like they are better off that I won't serve for at least 6 more years!

Have a Heart, Give a Heart

2009-06-05T18:14:00.004-04:00

Sam Savage is a man of many stories. His life has been filled with so much exciting stuff - from drag racing on Cherry Hill to owning his own business to dancing in the streets. I love to sit and listen to all the funny and often crazy stories he has experienced in his life.

Sammy has loved and laughed and lived! He is a fun person to be around that knows how to get the party started.

When Sam and my Mom were married I was twelve years old, and for any of you who have ever dealt with or been a teenage girl you know what kind of special person it takes to sign up for the job of dad at that time. But that's exactly what Sam did.

For the past 17 years he has taught, disciplined, and loved me. Alongside my mom, Sam helped mold me into what I have become today.

Sam still has a ton of life to live and joy to give, but now Sam needs a heart.

I don't want this to be a soapbox letter - I just know for me personally it took someone I love needing a transplant for me to send in my organ donor registration. My thought is if knowing a person that was affected by organ donation inspired even one person to send in their donation registration then that could be more lives saved.

It is the easiest thing I have ever done. Go to www.organdonor.gov and find your state website. Just fill out the paperwork and send it in. Of course, you can also choose to donate when you renew you drivers license.

Feliz día de San Valentín

2009-02-13T18:48:00.005-05:00

So Stephen & I are starting a new Valentine's tradition tonight (yes, I know tomorrow is Valentine's Day)...we have decided to have a Mexican feast - complete with his homemade, extra delicious margaritas!!

I just ordered the food to be delivered (after all this is Manhattan) & am looking forward to a night of fun, food & those potent margs!!

Hope y'all have a fabulous V-day filled with love & joy!

Photo send off is one of the hubby & I loving each other during a recent Mexican dinner excursion -

To Blog or Not To Blog...

2009-02-07T08:13:00.005-05:00

I can't believe how long it has been since I have had a thought I deemed worthy of blogging about. It's not that I have been a recluse, or all that boring...I just have not been in the writing mood (I guess!).

Let's see...since October...we spent Thanksgiving with the Zahoriks in NYC, went to Atlantic City for Christmas (totally non-traditional), and I met my mom in Memphis for a great family visit. Mike & Jenn were just in town for Super Bowl weekend.

I got bangs (boy did I - they definitely take some getting used to!).

I think that's an okay summary for now. I promise I will be better about writing - it's almost nice to just put basic thoughts on page - even if it is just Liah reading ;)!!

5-Hundy

2008-10-14T18:15:00.004-04:00

I did it! I did it! I won me some $$ by losing 5% of my body weight! I love Money (but not in that tacky VH1 show way). Here's a pic of my winnings (with all important info marked out - for those sneaky folks that think they may want to hit the bank up!)...

Anywho, just thought I would let y'all know that in fact I did it!! More later...

Must Eat Meat

2008-09-19T22:23:00.013-04:00

So, I'm no carb-ing it...Like NO carb-ing it. I'm currently in the induction phase of Atkins & am limiting myself to mainly meat & cheese (and the occasional Jello cup). Please spare me the "this is no good for you" lecture, because I know, and I have not been feelin' my best on it.

BUT, you see, we are having a contest at work to lose weight & grand prize is 5-hundy (as in $500), and I happen to know that since I screwed around the first 2 weeks of the contest I NEED a diet that's proven to drop weight fast. Last time I did this I lost 14 pounds in 2 weeks & I was about 40 pounds smaller then (which makes me think that I'll lose weight faster now?)!

PLUS, it's the easiest diet to do during football season & Stephen has hopped on board with me. And it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to lose the poundage...I really want to fit into some of my old clothes again!

So, guess I've admitted it (somewhat) publicly now...I've gained 40 pounds (some days more) since I've moved to NY...for those keeping count, that's 3-4 sizes! I know, Oh My Goodness!!!

I've had high cholesterol (no kidding), and while that should be a VERY serious subject - I, go figure, have a funny story about it (or a story, nonetheless).

So, for those who have yet to experience the joys of high cholesterol, once you get the 'Strol (that's lingo), ANYWAY, once you get it you have to go in every 3 months to test & see where you are (or at least I did). The Doc did NOT want to put me on the meds (because apparently once you start you can't stop - kind of like with Pringles or Lays & also because it wasn't ALL bad - I had a high amount of Good cholesterol, too - Thank You Monounsaturated Fats!)...

Anywho, he had me coming in to test & see how I was doing on the "diet/exercise" that he said would lower the 'Strol. So I guess it was mid-November last year (as I had just wrecked my company car - different story, different blog), and I was going to be late for one of these tests (because I had to ride the train to work).

I called the Doc to let him know about my lateness & it was decided I would come in a couple hours later, which gave me time to go by the office first. Well - whaddaya know - when I get to the office someone has brought Munchkins (while I'm not a Dunkin Donuts fan, you can't beat donut holes in all the different donut flavors)! And I proceed to eat - oh, half a dozen....maybe nine...okay I lost count.

You know what comes next...I have to call the Doc to tell him I've just eaten more than enough Munchkins & I would not be able to make the Cholesterol appointment! Oh my...his only response (cuz what else could he do) was to ask, "Was it good?" My reply (cuz what else could I say) was, "Oh YES they were!!"

The moral of this blog, I suppose, is that my Doc would freak if he knew I was subjecting myself to eating such high fat items...but, oh well...anything for a little extra dough & to be back in fightin' shape!

Photo send-off is a cartoon send-off this week...reminds me of Stephen & I this weekend!

I Do. I Did. Now What?!

2008-09-18T22:08:00.002-04:00

If you are recently married, or have been married for some time, or even if you are getting married...this is a Great & Funny must read book...LOVE it!

Fact & Fantasy

2008-09-15T20:14:00.006-04:00

Even though I feel like this...

I am going to try my best to stay up & watch the Cowboys - in hopes that they not only kick the pants off the Eagles, but also (and really more importantly) to track how well our fantasy football team does! And that is a fact!

Notice I call it OUR fantasy football team. You see, Stephen drafts the team (after all it is a league with all of his buddies) & then I help manage it throughout the season! It's a perfect marriage & a fabulous way to get into the games. I LOVE it!

I used to make fun of Stephen & his fantasy team. There is a great Bud Light commercial (you know the one with the deep voice guy talking about different types of 'guys')...well, this one is the Fantasy Football guy & it makes fun of the fact that they have a fantasy team in a fantasy draft & they probably used to be big into dungeon & dragons with their fantasy girlfriends! (or something like that - anyway, it was funny!)

Now I'm so into, I can't make fun of it. I find myself scouting players & talking to him about trades...my oh my!

So, while I'm super exhausted & have a lot of work to do, I find myself getting ready to cheer on the real deal Cowboys & a team that only exists on the computer!

**Photo send-off is suspended this time due to the fact that I posted a picture of myself practically drooling at the beginning of this blog...go ahead scroll back up & make fun!**

I'm not Clumsy...I Just Fall A lot

2008-09-12T21:11:00.007-04:00

It's been so, so long...so, so long. I never figured out my IPhoto problem, so now I have to save pictures to my desktop, then upload them to the blog. I'm sure you don't care about my hassles, but you know, I might as well share them anyway!

So, what have we been up to the past couple months...

Well, we celebrated our 1st anniversary, went to Mexico, celebrated my 28th birthday, had visits from the in-laws & my momma, went to Austin, floated on...guess we've done some stuff. I totally want to post pics of all that, but y'all will just have to trust me, because that's just too much to handle.

So now, we will start fresh & tackle the title of this blog...Yes, it is TRUE...I fell AGAIN!

I was leaving a customers @ Bond & Lafayette Streets and the wedge sandals combined with the uneven sidewalk equaled disaster for my leg. Take a look yourself...

I know, I know...can I seem any clumsier?? At least I didn't break anything this time...just a couple of bad raspberries & some bruised ego! I think my main mission in life now is just to try & stay upright!

Already time for Photo send-off...it's the picture I promised like 4 posts ago...here are the koozies I had made for the River trip...totally loved the job the "Beer Koozies" did - should you ever need custom koozies, they are definitely the place to go!

Technical Glitches

2008-07-25T15:45:00.001-04:00

So, it's been awhile...I know...I've been tryin' to blog, I swear!

I have a draft from 7/9 and one from all the way back on 6/22, but no posts. This is due to the fact that we uploaded the new iLife on our computer & now I am unable to get pictures uploaded onto the site. I'm sure it's an easy solution (or maybe not), I just need to devote myself to getting it done.

And I am of the personal opinion that a blog is SO much better with pictures (especially when I'm doing the typing!).

So, I will try working on my little glitch this weekend & see if I can in fact get back in bidness!

Mexico Bound!

2008-07-02T04:26:00.001-04:00

Headed South of the Border!! Will have plenty of pics & a new post once we get back!

Adios!

Workin' It Out & Off

2008-06-15T10:48:00.016-04:00

Yesterday I worked out for the first time in a LONG time. This morning my arms, abs & legs are sore & that makes me happy!!

Breakdown: 30 minutes cardio (with heart-rate in aerobic zone), 300 sit ups, set of hundreds, and free weights for arms.

Can't wait to go back & work out today...before you know it, I'm going to be rockin' my skinny jeans (which all of them seem to be), and wearing bikinis just for fun!

Food wise, not such a great day, but not so bad either. We went to Vamos for late lunch w/ John, Catherine, and Tony. We have this habit of finding a restaurant & becoming totally addicted! For example, in the past week, Stephen & I have been to Vamos 4 times!! Oh well, it's good & inexpensive - our kind of place!

After Vamos, we went to engage in some Flip Cup at Whisky River...it was not my day to be on a winning team, but had a blast, anyway.

We would definitely like to give a shout out & big thank you to Tony for being such a fair ref & a great photographer!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY to all the fathers out there. Photo Send-off is the two top guys in our lives:

Don't Mess With My Beer

2008-06-13T21:36:00.005-04:00

It's Been So Long!! I have missed my bloggin', but not to fret, I'm BACK and bootless!!

So, you are probably unlikely to deduce from the title of this blog that I am indeed looking to drop some weight & drop it fast. Maybe I should title it...Procrastinate, procrastinate - Never Get the Job Done.

It is now 2 1/2 weeks until Mexico & my fat a** is still fat!

**Side story - this reminds me of this time my mom went to the McKinney Flea Market (yea, we can save those jokes for later)...anyway, she goes & was trying something on (once again, jokes later)...can you imagine that I'm off track on my off-track sidestory...ANYWAY, mom says to the guy, "My fat a** can't fit," to which the man replied, "Honey, we call it sweet"**

So, my sweet a** is still fat!!

I'm going to hold myself accountable on this blog. I will not share with you my starting weight, but I will report on the weight lost & exercises done over the next couple of weeks. If this plan works, then I'll keep going b/c you know I want to look fly on our Labor Day River Trip!!

Which brings me to the title of the blog! I'm sure you thought we would never make it!!

I'm putting together these "Survival Kits" to send to all the people attending the 10th annual Float On Labor Day Trip. You know a kind

of R-rated box of fun that will get everyone all P-U-M-Ped!!

I'm looking on the internet for customizable koozies & what did I find??? OMG, koozies that have the old "Don't Mess w/ Texas" logo & you can import the name into it...So it reads "Don't Mess w/ (name's) Beer"!! LOVE IT! The koozies have already shipped, so I'll be sure to post a pic when they come in & if they are totally fab (which I just KNOW they are going to be), I pass on the website where you can get your very own!!

Photo Send-off this week is a shout out to my Grandma, who Stephen & I visited over Memorial Day - bet she never thought she'd be on the internet!!

I would suggest, should you ever find yourself in Pittsburgh, KS, to grab a bite @ El Charro. Of course, they are a local chain, so you can check it out in Lamar, MO, too!

Just found this, thought Why not Post...

2008-05-10T15:48:00.006-04:00

**6/13/08 - Even though I just posted a new fresh blog, I found this draft from over a month ago & thought I would share it with you b/c I know how you love to read as much as you can - gosh I'm so caring!**

It's been one of those fabulous mornings...you know, where you play the Itunes on shuffle & get some stuff done. Our particular stuff that's been getting done includes the laundry, dusting, and to add some actual excitement to it, we have been working on scheduling our Labor Day weekend plans.

Labor Day may be far, far away, but you know it will be here before you know it & the cabins we are going to rent on the River have the tendency to be rented right out from under your feet if you don't act fast!

The River is not my particular "cup o' tea," but I married a man that wants to be buried there (well, more like scattered!), so I guess it's one of my compromise vacations for many years to come. And the cabins are not exactly "roughing it"...hopefully the mosquitoes will be in check, then I should be all good to go. You know the 'squitoes are super attracted to my whiter than white skin...I'm like a bright light attracting them all day & night.

Anywho, that's been today. The past week/weekend included a visit from Mom & Sam, as well as, a Cinco de Mayo dinner w/ Scott (our brother-in-law).

Tell Your Momma Hi

2008-04-26T08:36:00.008-04:00

What do I start with first...hmmm...okay, well, I guess I'll lead with the fact that I went to the doctor yesterday & the boot - ah, the dreaded boot - has to stay on at least another 2-3 weeks.

The doc said it wasn't healing as fast as he thought it would...to which I replied, "Maybe I should not have been dancing on it?"

...that's when he looked at me like I was ca-razy, so I quickly exclaimed, "I've been drinking lots of calcium!"

Oh well...what's another 2-3 weeks...especially when I have my toes painted!

Oh yeah, baby! The lady even painted my other foot, but the boot kinda takes away from it!

My mom was in town this whole last week - from Sunday to Friday. We had a girls day in the City on Thursday, which included the spa - a total treat! We each got massages, facials & she enjoyed a pedicure, while I stuck to just getting a good ole toe paintin'.

The spa was relaxing & her trip here was fabulous. I don't know where she gets her energy & being half her age it makes me embarrassed that I simply cannot keep up sometimes! We went out to dinner EVERY night (after workin' all day...remember, her territory now includes NYC).

There were so many truly fab restaurants we tried...yes, my momma knows how to pull at my heartstrings!

One of my fave places we ate was Barbetta's. It's this great Italian restaurant that has been open for over 100 years & still owned by the same family that founded it. What added a whole other awesome level (besides the food, wine & fabulous company), was this tree we were sitting near.

I know...silly...a tree, awesome? But take a look...

When mom asked the waiter what kind of tree it was, his reply was (in accent), "Well, it is an old tree." It was more than likely one of those "you have to be there" moments, but trust me when I say it was HILARIOUS!

So that's the story, morning glory! While mom was in town, Stephen was in Oregon. He flew back in last night (or early this morning) & today we are meeting Johnny Boy up for some lunch! Wonder where we'll go...???

Photo send-off....mom & I enjoying the Old Tree and each other in New York City!

Tortoise and the Hare

2008-04-18T21:33:00.007-04:00

So, as I promised, here is the pic of me on my more than FABULOUS scooter!

It was great...I may even put the boot back on next year, just to be able to rent it again! Besides the deluxe leather chair & the 2" DUBS, the scooter rocked not one, but 2 horns & speeds that ranged from tortoise to hare (no, really, the knob turned from a picture of a turtle to a picture of a rabbit)! The nifty basket up front held the backpack purse I've been sporting of late (because of ease of use), and it even had headlights.

The only suggestion I would have for the folks at Scootaround (seriously the name of the place I rented it from), would be to include a holder for the crutches! I about killed myself trying to catch the crutches when they fell off the scooter when I was going at the hare speed!

At one point, I was haulin' it (air blowin' through my hair & all), and I heard an older lady say to her man, "She doesn't look hurt!" You know grandma was just jealous because she wanted a scooter of her own!!

So, I'm back in town (as I have been all week), and am finally walking without the crutches, which is great. So, hopefully this means there will be no more references to the broken ankle & I can put it all behind me!!

Tonight, I decided to be Chef Brittany (rhymes with Boyardee - hee hee - you know I just sang the song in my head)...and cooked this Chicken w/ Feta, Lemon & Zucchini...

**Update - this picture was snapped before the meal went into the oven**

My feeling is that it more than likely would not look like this if presented on a cooking show. At some point during the cooking process, smoke started to come out of the oven, setting off the smoke alarm a few times. Stephen, being the wonderful man he is, said he thought for sure it was just steam! In the end, Stephen enjoyed the meal (Seriously, I'm not just making myself feel better)...and I liked the zucchini.

At least it wasn't like the time I made Penne w/ Lemon, Ricotta & Herbs. Oh my...I made the dish w/ an insane amount of parsley, because that's the only herb we had...to sum it all up, the dish tasted like grass & we threw it away and ordered take out!!

Alright...photo send-off time!! A little tribute to Rambo, as my mom is about to take him back to Texas after her trip this next week. Love his hair all crazy with static!! Boy are we going to miss him!

Maxed Out

2008-04-17T20:17:00.003-04:00

So, Stephen & I watched a great documentary - Maxed Out - the other night. It's about the national & consumer debt.

Very interesting stuff.

Then I just read this correlating article on CNN -

http://money.cnn.com/2008/04/17/news/economy/credit_cards_hearing/index.htm?cnn=yes

So, while not in the mood to give you a whole "blogpinion," I will say that it's an eye opener & worth the time.

This weekend I will be sure to post the scooter pictures & update on more...for now I'm off to bed, as my throat & ears are hurtin' & that just can't be good.

This Boot Was Made For Walkin'

2008-04-06T15:09:00.017-04:00

Thought I would start it off with a pic of me being silly. Seriously, left my make-up in the car Friday, which led me to find out that I'm not that good at the whole liquid eyeliner thing! A lil' "clockwork orange" style fun pursued.

Well, Friday I got the cast off & they put me in this nifty walking boot -

I was thinking that a walking boot meant I would be walking in it...but oh no, ain't no way I can walk just yet!

You see, Friday after I left the doc's office & got to my office, I thought - man, this is feelin' pretty darn good, maybe I should try "walking on it"...'bout hit the floor in pain, I tell ya! Whew...not one of my best ideas.

It has, however, gotten a little better over the weekend, with me testing my limits on how much pressure I can put on the injured limb. My goal (and I could be setting myself up for failure) is to be able to walk on it by Thursday (that's when I board the plane - at 6:40 a.m. nonetheless - for Chicago).

Now I'm sure you all have heard enough about the "break", so I'm movin' back to subjects I know best...

...Stephen and I went to Hill Country Bar-b-que yesterday. (Come on, you knew I would be talking about food!!) Now I cannot think of anything better than a Texas Barbecue market in the middle of NYC...they played country music while we noshed on some serious brisket, sausage, and sides! And to top it all off I had a Coke Float w/ Blue Bell ice cream!!

That's right, I just typed Blue Bell...they fly the stuff in special...they also fly in Big Red, Kruez sausage & my personal fave Mexican Coke!! (the stuff you drink, duh!)...

Man, oh man, were we in heaven! Check it out for yourselves...should you ever find yourself implanted in NYC from the Great State of Texas (or even if you just live here), you should definitely give it a try!

So, I guess that's about it...I leave you with a picture of my cast watching the mighty Longhorns fall to Memphis last weekend (this is becoming somewhat of a trend - you know, the photo send-off)!

Scoot, Scoot, Scootin' Along

2008-04-02T22:04:00.004-04:00

I tell ya, my timing is impeccable! Of course, I go and break my ankle just a few short weeks before the biggest convention in my industry. This year it's held in Chicago & it is 4 days of straight walkin' and talkin'. Though this year will be a little different, because I will be scootin' around!

That's right - I get to ride this at next week's Kitchen and Bath Industry Show:

So, I'm 50/50 on being embarrassed and being totally pumped!

The Embarrassed Brittany - "Oh my, this is a serious networking event. All the biggest vendors and customers will be there. How can I possibly do business on a scooter?"

The PUMPED Brittany - "Oh my, this show is always a pain on my feet & this year I get to scoot around on my booty the whole time!! Woo - to the - Hoo!!"

Eventually, I'm just gonna have to let the Pumped Brittany take over, because there is simply nothing I can do about the fact that I NEED the scooter. Maybe it will be so great that I claim severe arthritis every year after this one & find the scooter to be the best thing since delivery service in New York!

Don't worry, I'll be sure to get a few pics of me actually on the scooter to post after the show...surely wouldn't miss an opportunity to have y'all share in one of my lil "Brittany moments"!!

Fracture & Family

2008-03-23T12:54:00.012-04:00

SO first and foremost, check out this picture of the DELICIOUS grilled artichoke from Houston's...if you have never had one - drop EVERYTHING and go check it out. If I didn't have a broken ankle, I would be there in a heartbeat! (Go figure, it's one of the few things I can't get delivered!)

So, on to the next bit of news...yep, it's true, I've broken my ankle - specifically my fibula. Me, of all people, ME...I can't get out of bed, I can't do anything - it's been this way for the ENTIRE week! This has been the view:

And yes, I am watching "America's Best Dance Crew" and yes, I would watch it even if I wasn't confined to bed for 7 days straight.

I've never broken anything ever before & I must say it absolutely sucks. Beyond the fact that I can't do anything & have only showered once in the past 7 days & am dying of boredom...it REALLY hurts. I've tried to be a big girl about it, but the pain is sometimes quite unbearable.

I keep it elevated while in bed (which is ALL the time)...the thing is when I have to get up to go the bathroom, or even just to stretch & all the blood rushes to my ankle...boy, oh boy, it's a throbbing pain like no other. It's like my ankle is on FIRE!

Stephen has definitely proven his worth as a husband (not that he hadn't before)...he is the greatest...getting me anything & everything, being so sweet, and he's even promised to paint my toes!

**Life Lesson - Always have your pedicure fresh, because should your big booty happen to fall on your ankle & break a bone, it is quite embarassing to have tired toes while the whole world is checking out your foot**

So, I'm going to return to work tomorrow & am very excited about it, although a little nervous, because I'm not the most coordinated person on crutches (lemme tell ya...this is some major motivation to lose weight - having to "carry" myself around by my arms & one leg). I'll be in a cast for 2 weeks, then the doc will put me in a walking boot just in time for the big Kitchen & Bath show in Chicago.

Before all this mess, I was going to blog about my family's visit this past weekend (well, last weekend)...my sister & husband & their 4 kids were all here & as always, we enjoyed hanging with the whole crew...I'll leave you with some pics...

The first two are fashion shots of me & my nieces - Madison (left) and Katy (center)...the third picture is my adorable nephew Joe pretending to eat a HOT pepper @ Ruby Foos!

This final pic is of Griffin (the youngest)...so Stephen (aka Uncle Baldy) and I (aka Auntizzle Barizzle) bought the kids $75 worth of candy from Dylan's Candy Store...Griffin ate about $40 of it by himself that day...we got to dinner & he went into an immeadiate sugar coma!

Houston's Grilled Artichoke

2008-03-15T11:49:00.002-04:00

IT'S BACK!!! After calling everyday for the past two weeks, I was just informed that Houston's is in fact back to serving the Grilled Artichoke!!

You don't even know how excited I am...going to get some RIGHT now!

Dr. Pepper Lip Gloss - So Good Once It Hits The Lips

2008-03-08T11:49:00.013-05:00

It's pouring rain here in NYC...pouring buckets of rain! Our poor lil' outside patio has taken a big hit in the past few weeks. The snow "storm" a couple of weeks ago did a number on our canopy...see the evidence below...

Before:

Today:

So sad...so sad...I'm sure Stephen can use his manly skills to get it fixed when the weather subsides! At least I hope so...I look forward to firing the grill up soon!

Okay, I could lie, but that's not my style...I have been briefly distracted (totally distracted for the last 30 minutes) watching a recorded episode of One Tree Hill. How silly that I still watch this show...and even further that I tape it to watch on rainy Saturday afternoons (or any Saturday afternoon)??

It's like my Dad always asked (well, actually he still does) - When will I grow out of these stages? Like wearing Dr. Pepper lip gloss...something I know I will NEVER grow out of! There is something about that Bonney Bell loveliness in a tube that I can't get enough of!!

It's funny, I used to say "I'm only {insert current age here}", but by now it seems that whatever has managed to stick around is part of me for life! Poor Stephen, guy gets to deal with ALL the ca-raziness that entails (have you met my momma?).

Alright, guess it's time to put my new Burberry rain boats (they are SO cute) to the test & grab a bite to eat, cuz you know I'm starvin' like Marvin.

Until next time, here's a pic of the kids I took last weekend on one of our walks...

I love the way they politely ignore each other! For those not "in the know" Rambo's on the left & Rocky is on right. (Seriously just mixed up my directions & typed the wrong sides - better get something to eat fast before I faint!)

Poker Queen

2008-02-24T12:50:00.011-05:00

I should be out shopping right now, as I leave for Scotsdale on Wednesday & I have absolutely nothing to wear...but I seem to have caught a mild case of the cocktail flu, so instead I'm in bed typing.

Yesterday started out great. Stephen & I woke up around 10 (we needed the rest!), and had bagels & coffee at 12. Then we got to cleaning...I mean we cleaned...the place has never looked so great. You see, my mom is making a visit this week (gets in Tuesday afternoon, and I leave Wednesday morning)...

**funny side story - mom's new territory includes NYC - seriously, who would have thought that I would ever live here, and her work territory would include here!**

...so, anyway, Mom comes in on Tuesday & we wanted the place to be sparklin'. We still need to do the floors, but the rest of the place is so fresh & so clean, clean (come on, you know you like Outkast!).

We wrapped up around 3, then showered & headed to Dukes for a bite to eat. Dukes is this really great, laid back, Southern comfort food kind of place. We had Lone Stars (they actually have them here!) and I had this massive Roadhouse Sandwich -

Get this - it has Chicken Fried Steak with Avocado, pickled jalepenos, bacon, melted jack cheese, lettuce, tomato & tangy roadhouse ranch sauce...WHOA NELLY!

I only finished half, which is way more than my doctor ever would have recommended! I'm sure not volunteering to take a cholesterol test any time soon!

So, after we digested, we headed to Bar 12 to play some Buzztime Trivia, followed by some Texas Hold 'Em. Let me just say, I kicked some serious arse in Texas Hold 'Em (I'm sure you can tell by my exclusion of a Trivia story, that I was not as great at it!).

The two other guys in the Bar playing & Stephen lost ALL their chips to the Britster (yes, I referred to myself as such, and I can't promise that I will never do it again!). I made it on the list of High Scores - at the VERY top of the list, baby!! Stephen was kind to point out that it was just the High Scores for the week, but nonetheless, I made it.

So, that's really it...I leave you today with pictures of Stephen & I marveling at what's left of the snow (by the way, we absolutely loved the snow "storm" - it was beautiful & everything we had hoped for all this time!)...

Short Blog - More Later

2008-02-19T18:33:00.002-05:00

So, I know I have not blogged lately, and I should update y'all on our trip to Austin for Super Bowl weekend, or the movies I've recently seen, or even the food I've been eating...

...but, no. It was a long day of work on the computer for me, so I just don't feel like being on it anymore!

I leave you with this...how bad would it be to hit 5 of the 6 numbers on the Megamillions Lottery tonight, and only win $250,000, when the chance to win $220 million was so close?

The Lure of THE Cheesy Gordita Crunch

2008-01-22T21:43:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I went to Staten Island this morning...first time ever...yippee, right?!

Hmmm, But that's not the story...

...so I'm on my way back to the office after my Staten Island virgin voyage. And I start thinking about the Cheesy Gordita Crunch being back at Taco Bell (the power of advertising). So, innocently enough, I type Taco Bell into the navigation...and I'm sure to only look at ones on my route of travel...senseless to get off track for Taco Bell...

Whaddaya know...there's one at the next exit in Brooklyn. It's fate...and it's time for a Cheesy Gordita Crunch (here on out referred to as a CGC, cuz it's too long to keep typing!).

I get off the highway & start to get P-U-M-P-ed...I'm telling ya - so smart of Taco Bell to only have the CGC for a limited time...makes me feel like I need to get one ASAP before they are gone!

I turn off the highway & down the next street, and there's NO Taco Bell - hmmm, maybe if I just drive down a little...

Nope, NO Taco Bell, NO CGC & now to top it off, I'm stuck in Brooklyn traffic Hell trying to get back to the highway.

At first I was frustrated, but then when I finally found a Taco Bell & ate that wonderful Cheesy Gordita Crunch - it was even MORE satisfying...So good...Party on the Palate good...I've attached a picture to show you the goodness...SO lovely, I suggest you get one, while they are still available.

On an incredibly sad and shocking note, Heath Ledger was found dead today. Even though tabloids are somewhat of an addiction for me, I found it SICK and disturbing that TMZ & a number of other "paparazzi" were outside of his apartment photographing & filming the removal of his body. That's sinking to a whole new level of awful.

A Chilly Day & Bits about NY Livin'

2008-01-20T19:09:00.000-05:00

Holy moly! It's like 6 degrees outside (21, actually, but the wind is kicking some serious butt)! And it's not even snowing - I mean, come on, if it's going to be this cold, there should at least be some pretty snow to distract me!

Since Stephen & I have called New York home, there have been a disappointing number of snow storms...only one or two.

I remember last year - Valentine's Day - the first snow "storm" of the year (I think the ONLY one). I was so pumped to stay at home & drink hot chocolate & cuddle...but to my chagrin, the people here actually work on those days!! WHAT??? WHAT??? Are they CRAZY? Something about snow plows & being ready...blah, blah, blah. I miss my snow days!

The greatest thing about living in New York, especially on a day this cold, is that EVERYTHING can be delivered! From coffee in the morning to Chinese food at night!

The delivery aspect of this city is amazing & when we first moved here, Stephen & I went through a major lazy phase. There's just nothing like the first time that you figure out the deli (across the street, nonetheless) delivers breakfast & coffee to your front door!

Thank goodness that phase has past, as our waists suffered from it!

That brings me to my FAB news of the weekend - I'm down 11 pounds...while the Chinese tonight probably didn't help, I'm pretty sure the bean dip has!!

Canines and Coffee

2008-01-09T20:02:00.001-05:00

I'm going to start this blog off on a serious note - a very serious note. Don't panic - everyone is okay.

We went to walk the dogs on Thursday night. After the dog park, we were standing at the intersection. Let me clarify - maybe the biggest intersection in New York City...by that I mean cars coming from 3 ways, plus a split roadway on one side.

So, we are standing there talking, and ROCKY CAME OFF HER LEASH!!! Just came off it. She darted out & thank GOD the city bus saw her & the cop two rows back turned on his lights. But then, she zipped through to the other side of the intersection, barely missing a full speed Toyota Camry.

Stephen dove and grabbed onto her harness with a finger. I'm crying, everyone's hearts are racing, but we are all alive & safe.

As soon as we got home I was on the phone with the manufacturer of the leash, Aspen Pet. They are sending us 2 new Bolt Lock Leashes. Moral of Story: Always use bolt lock leashes (pictures below)...NEVER use an Aspen Pet EZ hitch leash!!! The difference is where the leash attaches to the harness/collar.

Bolt Lock Leash:

EZ Hitch Leash:

If you cannot see the difference, be sure to look for it in stores...

Okay, now good news! I'm so in love with Starbucks new Skinny Lattes, it's not even funny!

First, I love the name Skinny, because that's what I'm trying to be. Second, the Caramel Skinny Latte (grande sized) is "simply delicioso" and ONLY 130 calories!! Holy moly!! Give me some mo'...

Bean Dip

2008-01-07T19:13:00.000-05:00

Okay let me just say, I love food. Truly love the stuff. If I find a dish I'm particularly into, I could sustain myself on it for days, maybe even weeks - you know, it becomes the one food you would have on a deserted island.

Past examples include crab legs; organic bean & cheese burritos; avocadoes w/ salt & pepper (actually this is something I still have once a week)...you get the drift.

So getting to the point...Jenn has this amazing bean dip that she made for Stephen & I, well, because we are so very special.

Now I can't stop eating the stuff...I made it this weekend & that's all I've had to eat since! I'm thinking about starting a Bean Dip Diet...seriously I feel like I've already lost weight.

I feel compelled to share the recipe with you...please, if you start the Bean Dip Diet, feel free to write me about your results...I could really be on to something here!!

Bean Dip:
(1) can black beans (drained & rinsed)
(1) small can Shoepeg white corn (drained)
(1) can diced Tomatoes w/ green chiles
(1) can diced Tomatoes w/ basil, garlic & oregano
(1) 8 oz. bottle of Italian dressing
***side bar - I use Fat Free & it tastes FAB & it only has 120 calories in the ENTIRE bottle
(1) chopped onion
cilantro

So here's a few personal notes - I despise raw onion, and Stephen despises cilantro - but the Italian dressing acts like a blanket covering all the bad tastes & creating a Loveliness that simply cannot be described.

The Ex Factor

2008-01-05T11:31:00.001-05:00

We went to this Mustache Roller Skating Party...good times! Mike, Jen, Stephen (that's my husband), and I were totally in character. We chose the trash/trucker/70s motif & really lived it up. Drinking boxed wine, eatin' ribs, and having a good time.

We get to the roller skating rink only to find that girls are not wearing mustaches, but instead sequins & such & tight, tight jeans. Thank goodness there's Jen, because at least we are both rocking our special look.

Then we enter the front door of the rink...

"Oh my goodness, I can't believe you are here," Xanadu barbie yells to my husband.

"Yea, some friends of friends are throwing the party," he says back.

"MY husband throws this party!" Xanadu Barbie says checking out the rest of the group.

Then my husband does it..."Um, this is my wife, Maggie".........

Except I am his wife & my name is Brittany!! And this is how I found out that this was his ex-live in-girlfriend. Xanadu Barbie is in fact Maggie & he has just introduced me by her name!

And I only happened to be dressed like this:

Say it with me: Oh my GOODNESS!!!

Oh well, it's a good laugh & overall we had a really good time. Except for the simple fact that we all pretty much sucked at roller skating!

TIP: when going to the bathroom, best to have skates off....should one skate slip, and then the other, you find yourself falling flat on the toilet & having a bruised butt (so far for at least a week).

Here's a few more pics of the evening for your enjoyment -